Aim-listed Botswana Diamonds has obtained environmental authorisation from Botswana’s Department of Environmental Affairs and the Ministry of Environment and Tourism to begin drilling at two targets in the Kalahari.
The drilling programme will explore two gravity anomalies spanning 12 hectares and 6 hectares, located near the company’s KX36 kimberlite discovery.
These targets hold potential to enhance existing resources in the region, including the Ghaghoo mine, situated about 60 km from KX36 and currently under care and maintenance.
The KX36 project, a 3.5-hectare kimberlite pipe, contains an estimated 17.9 million tonnes at 35 carats per hundred tonnes (cpht) in the indicated category and 6.7 million tonnes at 36 cpht in the inferred category, with a diamond value of approximately $65 per carat.
Modelled grades suggest a range of 57 cpht to 76 cpht, with diamond values potentially reaching $107 per carat.
Subject to securing funding, Botswana Diamonds aims to commence drilling during the Kalahari dry season, which runs from April to October 2025.
John Teeling, Chairperson of Botswana Diamonds, emphasized the significance of the approval:
“The receipt of environmental authorisation, following the approval of our environmental impact assessment, is a major milestone. We believe the Kalahari will emerge as Botswana’s next diamond province.
“KX36 represents a significant diamond discovery and remains the only known kimberlite in the area. However, kimberlites typically occur in clusters.
Our research and ongoing analysis have revealed anomalies near KX36 and the Ghaghoo mine, and we are now poised to drill these promising targets.”
The company’s exploration efforts could position the Kalahari as a key hub for future diamond discoveries, further cementing Botswana’s status as a global leader in diamond mining.
