Key points
- Mining ran June 9 to 30, 2004, at the western limb (MF5) of the Marshall Fork deposit using the Seabed Crawler and MV Kovambo.
- The 22-day haul totaled 59,578 diamonds weighing 20,916 carats, 95 per cent gem quality.
- MRDI’s feasibility study puts the ML 111 concession’s indicated resource at 1.1 million carats grading 1.01 carats per square metre.
- Chief geologist Randal Cullen reported grades exceeding expectations by more than 150 per cent, including a gem-quality stone over 12 carats.
Diamond Fields International Ltd. has released the results from the first 22 days of mining in the western limb (MF5) of its Marshall Fork deposit off Luderitz, Namibia. A total of 59,578 diamonds (20,916 carats) of 95-per-cent gem-quality diamonds were recovered between June 9 and June 30, 2004, by the Seabed Crawler and the MV Kovambo. The diamonds will be split 50/50 with Samicor Mining Services (Pty.) Ltd., DFI’s joint venture partner in the mining the ML 111 marine diamond concession.
As reported in a feasibility study by MRDI, the company’s ML 111 marine diamond concession has an indicated resource of 1.1 million carats with a grade of 1.01 carats per square metre. Chief geologist Randal Cullen, a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, reported that recovered grades have exceeded expectations by more than 150 per cent and recoveries have included several stones in excess of five carats including one gem-quality stone in excess of 12 carats, confirming the presence of a larger stone size population whose source has yet to be determined.
Gregg J. Sedun, president and chief executive officer of Diamond Fields, states: “We are extremely pleased with these outstanding early results reflecting the excellent performance and efficiency of the MV Kovambo and the Seabed Crawler and quality of our Marshall Fork concession. The higher-than-anticipated grade and resulting diamond production during this short period has definitely exceeded our projections.”
WARNING: The company relies upon litigation protection for “forward-looking” statements.
