Intensification drilling under way at Botswana Diamonds' Thorny River

Aim- and BSE-listed exploration company Botswana Diamonds has started with the planned intensification drilling on its Thorny River prospect in South Africa, with the first four holes having intersected diamonds at predicted thicknesses and depths. 

The programme, which comprises the drilling of 40 reverse circulation angle percussion boreholes to a depth of 30 m is expected to be completed within the next four weeks.

The purpose of this drilling programme is to enable detailed planning for the proposed bulk sampling programme for Thorny River, which will start on completion of drilling activities and after the necessary regulatory approvals have been received.

The approvals are expected to be granted within the next three months.

Meanwhile, the refurbishment of a nearby diamond processing plant is proceeding according to plan to process the bulk sample kimberlite, Botswana Diamonds said in a statement on Monday.