Botswana Diamonds to Begin Production This Year

RAPAPORT... Botswana Diamonds will begin bulk sampling and diamondproduction from its Thorny River project in South Africa in May. It will then ramp up output to 20,000 tonnes a month, thecompany said Monday. The kimberlite ore will be processed at a nearby plant,which is currently being refurbished. In the six months ending December 31, the miner reported aloss of GBP 190,000 ($251,347). It has yet to post any revenue. Botswana Diamonds has a joint venture with Vast Diamonds inthe Heritage Concession portion of the Marange Diamond Fields in Zimbabwe,which is currently undergoing a study. It also holds 100% equity in Sunland Minerals in Botswana, afterbuying Russia-based miner Alrosa's stake for a nominal sum. Image: The Thorny River project. (Botswana Diamonds)