Name of the Project
Thorny River diamond dyke project.

Location
The project is a consolidation of the Frischgewaagt, Hartbeesfontein and Doornrivier properties, in Limpopo, South Africa.

Project Owner/s
Diamond exploration and project development company Botswana Diamonds (BOD).

Project Description
Thorny River comprises the eastern extension of the kimberlite dyke and/or pipe systems on which the Klipspringer and Marsfontein mines are located, both of which have been economically mined.

The project has a modelled in situ grade range of 46 carats per hundred tonnes (cpht) to 74 cpht, and a diamond value range of $120/ct to $220/ct.

Potential Job Creation
Not stated.

Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
Not stated.

Capital Expenditure
Not stated.

Planned Start/End Date
Production at Thorny River is expected to start in the second half of 2023.

Latest Developments
Botswana Diamonds has been granted a mining permit for its Thorny River project.

The company has undertaken extensive geophysics, drilling and bulk sampling along the Thorny River dyke system. The geology and grades are consistent with those in the nearby Klipspringer mine to the west, the company has said.

The company previously decided to use contractors to mine the nearby Marsfontein gravels and dumps project as a “proof of concept”, with Botswana Diamonds receiving a 15% revenue royalty.

A contractor moved on site and undertook some trial mining, but falling diamond prices and permitting delays resulted in operations being placed on care and maintenance in October 2023.

Once diamond prices recover, mining can resume at Marsfontein, and start at Thorny River, now that the permits are in force, Botswana Diamonds has indicated.

“At last, we have received the mining permit. We also note a small improvement in diamond prices. If the price rises are sustained, we can look forward to the commencement of contractor mining at Thorny River,” chairperson John Teeling has said.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
None stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
BOD, tel +353 1 833 2833/+353 1 833 2833, fax +353 1 833 3505 or email info@botswanadiamonds.co.uk.