Diamond Fields reports Marshall Fork recovery

Diamond Fields International (DFI-T) has reported better-than-expected diamond recovery grades from the western limb (MF5) of its Marshall Fork deposit off Luderitz, Namibia.

During the six months ended June 30, the marine diamond miner reports the recovery of more than 23,000 carats, including one stone tipping the scales at 17.42 carats. The average recovered grade for the area rang in at 1.14 carats per sq. metre. When stones recovered during exploration and bulk sampling are included the grade climbs to about 1.25 carats per sq. metre, 24% better than MRDI’s predicted grade of 1.01 carats for the section of the Marshall Fork feature, says DFI.

The company also says that going over previously mined areas of MF5 with a system equipped with abrasive jetting technology could boost recoveries.

However, the recovery might be the company’s last for a while. Its former partner in the area, Trans Hex Group of South Africa, only recently pulled its MV Namakwa airlift mining vessel from Marshall Fork and terminated its joint venture over a dispute concerning recovery rates.

Trans Hex said in a prepared release that it first raised its concerns over mining recovery rates in November. Some compromises were reached in December, but Trans Hex continued to experience difficulty in meeting recovery expectations, which continued to add to its liability at the project.

With MV Namakwa sailing on calmer waters, DFI is working to resume mining at Marshall Fork. The company said it wouldn’t rule out legal action in response to Trans Hex exit.

DFI is currently looking at the use of contract miners and has expanded its offshore portfolio by acquiring a 38-sq.-km prospecting permit in South African coastal waters. The property, 220 km north of Cape Town, is covered by 20-90 metres of water, similar to Marshall Fork, and lies near the offshore extension of the Olifants River, one of two drainage systems responsible for the vast diamond deposits dotting the western coastal region of South Africa and Namibia.

Ultimately, the company plans to set sail over Marshall Fork in its own boat, equipped with a dual, 24-inch standard airlift system with abrasive jetting technology. The vessel would cover 188% more seabed than the MV Namakwa.