Diamond Fields International has commenced phase 3 of its advanced sampling program on its
Luderitz Sea diamond concessions in Namibia. The company has agreed to terms
with De Beers Marine to undertake the work. The decision to proceed
with the work was based on the encouraging results from the initial phases of
the program.
Phase 3, which commenced on Aug. 28 and uses DBM’s sampling vessel,
the MVB Douglas Bay, will involve reconnaissance sampling principally in the
Gallovidia Reef and Boat Bay features. The first part of the phase 3 program
is expected to last approximately 10 weeks, and depending upon results
collected, a further eight weeks of work may be added. The cost of a full 18-week
program is expected to be around $3-million (U.S.), excluding any proceeds that may
result from sales of diamonds recovered during the program.
Phase 1, also conducted under contract by De Beers Marine, was completed
in November, 1998. The work, using DBM’s sampling and mining vessel, the MV
Coral Sea, was limited to an area of the Marshall Fork feature. The program
tested 67 sample sites and yielded an average sample diamond grade of 1.3
carats per square metre, a fivefold increase over the previously estimated
grade for the entire feature. From the phase 1 program, Diamond Fields
recovered a total of 4,450 carats, which were sold in Antwerp for an average of
$164 (U.S.) per carat.
Phase 2, also using DBM’s MV Coral Sea vessel, involved sampling the
balance of the Marshall Fork feature, conducting further test mining, and
sampling an area in the Diaz Point features. Sampling and test mining
activities were completed on Aug. 23, 1999, and final sorting operations are
still under way. Final results from the phase 2 work will provide data to
upgrade the diamond resource estimates for these areas.
The overall advanced sampling program is expected to outline sufficient
diamond resources to support a mining operation capable of producing hundreds
of thousands of carats per year. Following the completion of the phase 2 data
analysis, Diamond Fields plans to undertake a detailed feasibility study for
the initial mining operation on the grant.
