The first program of phase 2 sampling has recovered 84 gem quality diamonds weighing 11.4 carats and discovered a new mineralized area in the block J marine diamond concession in Namibia.
A total of 25 samples averaging 13.24 square metres was collected over a sea-floor area of 365,000 square metres. The samples were taken from two anchor spreads of which 21 samples were excavated in the first spread and four samples on the second spread. Eleven samples were taken within a mineralized area, producing 84 gem quality diamonds, of which the largest stone weighed 0.49 carat.
A preliminary analysis of the data by the Afri-Can technical team has concluded that the material sampled is gravel derived from a basal Tertiary conglomerate. The material is therefore of a different nature than the paleo-surf zone gravel waves of feature No. 8, discovered in the previous program, which lie adjacent to the area sampled. The basal Tertiary conglomerate outcrop was mapped intermittently along the 40-kilometre length of block J during the geophysical survey outlined in the marine and coastal report dated June 6, 2000, and represents a previously unrecognized exploration opportunity.
Summary of the results
Weighing and sieving results
Sample No. of Largest Smallest
No. diamonds diamond diamond
J2-008 6 0.200 0.090
J2-009 10 0.290 0.100
J2-010 10 0.250 0.075
J2-011 2 0.170 0.090
J2-018 4 0.130 0.090
J2-019 13 0.490 0.087
J2-020 8 0.270 0.110
J2-030 11 0.250 0.075
J2-031 1 0.250 0.250
J2-032 1 0.090 0.090
J2-BS001 18 0.200 0.106
Total 84
Sample Average Total
No. carats/ carats
stone
J2-008 0.112 0.67
J2-009 0.136 1.36
J2-010 0.123 1.23
J2-011 0.150 0.30
J2-018 0.118 0.47
J2-019 0.169 2.20
J2-020 0.119 0.95
J2-030 0.113 1.24
J2-031 0.250 0.25
J2-032 0.090 0.09
J2-BS001 0.127 2.28
Total 0.131 11.04
Further detailed analysis is under way in order to provide additional data and to better understand the significance of this newly discovered mineralized area. The dimensions of each sample were accurately measured with high-resolution sonar and these data will be analyzed to determine the degree to which the contractor’s equipment was able to penetrate to the deeper horizons, where larger diamonds are predicted to occur. Afri-Can’s consultants will also design and recommend further work programs to cover both the material eroded from the Basal Tertiary conglomerate and the gravel waves. Shareholders will be kept advised of new developments.
Due to, among other factors, multiple equipment breakdowns and severe adverse weather conditions, the contractor did not complete the sampling program as set out in the agreement. As per the agreement, Afri-can is entitled to a cost reduction and is investigating its rights.
WARNING: The company relies upon litigation protection for “forward-looking” statements.
