Diamond Fields International Ltd. has received very encouraging results from
the recently completed resource development sampling conducted by Bonaparte
Diamond Mines NL (ASX: BON) under a joint operations agreement
and expects resumption of mining operations in early November.
The resource development sampling program by Bonaparte Bay in the joint
operations area in ML111, offshore Luderitz, was successfully completed in late
October. A total of 291 gem-quality diamonds weighing 135.92 carats were
recovered and the grid-based sampling results show near-continuous diamond
mineralization over a substantial cumulative area of approximately
290,000 square metres.
A total of 577 grid-based samples were taken of which 159 samples were
positive and multiple diamond recoveries (more than one stone) were made at 56
sites. Based on groups of closely associated positive results, a total of nine discrete zones of near-continuous mineralization covering a cumulative area of
approximately 290,000 square metres, have been identified.
SUMMARY OF RESULTS
Stones Carats
Diamonds Carats Size bigger than bigger than
Samples Positive Multiple () () range(ct) 0.4 ct 1 ct
577 159 56 291 135.92 0.07 to 6.46 127 14
(*) Incorporating 28 stones (9.32 carats) from 24 sites that were resampled for technical reasons
Sampling was undertaken on a grid of approximately 50-metre-by-40-metre spacing and
average sample size was approximately 2.6 square m. This is sufficient density for
estimation of National Instrument (NI) 43-101 and JORC compliant resources to the indicated category. In terms of the joint operations agreement Bonaparte has appointed
independent experts, Steffen Robertson & Kirsten (SRK) of Cardiff, United
Kingdom, to analyze these sampling results and carry out delineation, grade
estimation and classification of resources in compliance with the NI 43-101
and JORC codes. It is anticipated that their report will be completed by end
November, 2006.
Results of the sampling programs have been reviewed (including sampling,
analytical and test data) by Randal Cullen, PGeol, a qualified person as indicated under NI 43-101.
The company also reports that the engineering work program on its vessel
mv DF Discoverer is nearing completion. It is expected that the vessel will
return to Namibia and resume mining operations in early November.
Roger Daniel, president and chief executive officer, commented: “We are very pleased with the
results from the Bonaparte sampling operations which we expect to result in an
increase to our resource base and improve mine planning options. We are also
looking forward to the imminent resumption of marine diamond mining with our
own vessel and expect improved operating availability and efficiency following
the repair, maintenance and upgrade program.”
