Tsodilo Resources Unveils Promising Progress at Botswana’s Diamond-Rich BK16 Kimberlite Project

Tsodilo Resources Limited has announced a significant update regarding its diamondiferous BK16 kimberlite project, located within Botswana’s world-renowned Orapa Kimberlite Field (OKF). This project continues to capture industry attention due to its known potential for hosting rare and exceptionally valuable Type IIa diamonds. The latest developments mark a crucial step forward in the evaluation and commercialization pathway for this highly anticipated asset.

In a recent disclosure, Tsodilo confirmed the successful delivery of the first two parcels of recovered diamonds to Lucara Diamond Corp. for specialized acid cleaning. These initial parcels comprise a total of 231 stones, weighing an aggregate of 36.362 carats, representing diamonds recovered up to May 4, 2018. The meticulous cleaning process is being conducted at Lucara’s state-of-the-art acid cleaning laboratory, strategically situated within the prestigious Diamond Technology Park (DTP) in Gaborone, Botswana. This partnership leverages established infrastructure and expertise within the heart of Africa’s leading diamond jurisdiction.

Upon the completion of the comprehensive cleaning process, these valuable diamonds will be transferred for secure storage. The chosen facility, operated by I Hennig & Co., is also located within the Diamond Technology Park, emphasizing the project’s commitment to security and adherence to global best practices in diamond handling and custody. This secure chain of custody is paramount for high-value assets such as those expected from BK16.

Strategic Advantage: Location within the Orapa Kimberlite Field

The strategic positioning of the BK16 kimberlite project is undoubtedly one of its most compelling attributes. Nestled within the expansive Orapa Kimberlite Field, the project benefits from its proximity to some of the world’s most prolific and economically significant diamond mines. This region is a cornerstone of Botswana’s economic prosperity and its global standing in the diamond industry.

Botswana: A Global Diamond Powerhouse

Botswana’s reputation as a leading diamond producer is unparalleled. For the past decade, the nation has consistently averaged an astounding 27 million carats annually, firmly establishing itself as the world’s largest producer of diamonds by value. This exceptional output is underpinned by a stable political environment, robust regulatory frameworks, and a long history of successful diamond exploration and mining. In 2017 alone, the Orapa Kimberlite Field, where BK16 resides, contributed a substantial 11.07 million carats to the global supply. Of the 83 known kimberlite bodies identified within the OKF, a remarkable eleven have either been historically mined or are currently in active production, underscoring the field’s extraordinary diamond endowment.

Operating Alongside Industry Giants

The operational landscape within the Orapa Kimberlite Field is dominated by reputable, world-class mining companies. Industry titans such as Debswana (a 50/50 joint venture between the Government of Botswana and De Beers), Lucara Diamond Corporation, and Firestone Diamonds, have all reported considerable success from their respective mining operations within the field. These companies are celebrated for their efficiency, technological advancements, and the consistent recovery of high-quality diamonds, including spectacular large stones.

A prime example of the OKF’s unparalleled potential is Lucara’s Karowe mine. This mine has become synonymous with extraordinary diamond finds, having unearthed some of the most famous and valuable diamonds in recent history. These include the magnificent 1,109-carat ‘Lesedi La Rona’ and the equally impressive 813-carat ‘Constellation.’ The presence of such iconic discoveries within the same geological province as BK16 amplifies the excitement and potential associated with Tsodilo’s project, suggesting the possibility of similar high-value recoveries.

Unlocking Value: Critical Diamond Analysis and Studies

To comprehensively understand the commercial potential of the BK16 kimberlite and its diamond yield, Tsodilo Resources is embarking on a series of specialized analytical studies. These studies, conducted by leading experts in the field, are vital for accurate valuation, future mine planning, and optimizing recovery processes. Following the crucial acid cleaning of the diamonds, these in-depth evaluations will commence.

Expertise in Diamond Evaluation

Tsodilo has engaged Ray Ferraris of QTS-Kristal Dinamika – South Africa, a highly respected authority in diamond analysis, to spearhead these critical studies. Ferraris’s expertise is pivotal in interpreting the complex characteristics of the recovered diamonds and providing actionable insights for the project’s progression.

The Significance of Size Frequency Distribution (SFD) Studies

One of the key analyses to be undertaken is the Size Frequency Distribution (SFD) study. This sophisticated methodology is designed to accurately project the distribution of diamond sizes within a given deposit. By meticulously analyzing the size of the recovered stones, the SFD study allows the Company to generate robust models that predict the prevalence of different diamond sizes in the broader kimberlite body. This data is profoundly important for several reasons:

Revenue Estimation: The size of diamonds directly correlates with their value. A reliable SFD provides a foundational basis for estimating the potential revenue stream from the deposit, informing economic feasibility studies.
Mine Planning: Understanding size distribution helps in designing appropriate mining and processing equipment, ensuring optimal recovery of all diamond sizes while minimizing potential damage.
Resource Modeling: SFD data is critical for refining geological and resource models, providing a clearer picture of the kimberlite’s overall diamond endowment.

In essence, the SFD study acts as a crucial de-risking tool, offering a data-driven projection of the project’s likely economic output.

Diamond Reconstruction and Breakage (DRB) Study

Complementing the SFD analysis is the Diamond Reconstruction and Breakage (DRB) study. This specialized investigation aims to establish a “first-order profile for the extent and nature of diamond breakage related to natural or imposed industrial causes.” The insights gained from a DRB study are invaluable for:

Understanding Geological History: Identifying natural breakage patterns can provide clues about the geological forces and pressures the diamonds experienced within the kimberlite host rock. This informs a deeper understanding of the deposit’s formation.
Optimizing Recovery Processes: Breakage attributed to “imposed industrial causes” points to potential issues in the mining, crushing, or processing stages. By pinpointing these, the Company can fine-tune its recovery methods to minimize diamond damage and maximize the yield of intact stones.
Assessing Diamond Quality: The extent and type of breakage influence a diamond’s final market value. Understanding these characteristics from the outset allows for more precise valuation and processing strategies.

The DRB study thus serves as a critical quality control and process optimization tool, ensuring that the valuable diamonds are handled and recovered with the utmost care and efficiency.

The Road Ahead: Comprehensive Evaluation and Finalization

Tsodilo Resources is committed to a thorough and transparent evaluation process. The Company has outlined a meticulous sequence of steps that will lead to the final characterization and commercial assessment of the BK16 diamonds. Once all samples have been fully processed, precisely sorted, and a comprehensive tailings re-treatment audit has been diligently completed, Tsodilo will be in a position to provide definitive final diamond counts and compile initial weights.

The finalization of the project’s diamond characteristics will encompass a wide array of detailed analyses. This includes precise descriptions of breakage and resorption features, which shed light on the diamonds’ journey from formation to recovery. Furthermore, comprehensive definitions of habit (the external shape of the diamond crystal), color, and size distributions will be meticulously documented. Sample grade calculations will provide crucial insights into the concentration of diamonds within the kimberlite. Ultimately, all commercial characteristics will be finalized once the entire inventory of diamonds has undergone the rigorous acid treatment and subsequent expert analysis. This holistic approach ensures that Tsodilo Resources will possess a complete and accurate understanding of the BK16 kimberlite’s diamond potential, paving the way for informed decision-making regarding its future development.

News Source: gjepc.org