(IDEX Online) - Botswana Diamonds says it has found more kimberlite - the rock that hosts diamonds - during explorations at its Thorny River project in South Africa. Last September, the UK-listed company took full control of the site, in northern Limpopo province, by exercising its pre-emptive right to acquire outstanding third-party interests. The company says its drilling campaign has discovered a total of 52 metres of kimberlite intersections, the longest being a vertical intersection of 22 metres and it is now seeking a mine permit. Chairman, John Teeling said: "We have finished exploration and now move toward mine development. We already have a good understanding of how the mine will look. The recent drilling identified the entry point for a mine."The next stage is to refine the mine model and to apply for a mining permit."Pic courtesy Botswana Diamonds