(Ecofin Agency) - AIM-listed Bostwana Diamonds and joint-venture partner Alrosa began exploration at the PL 260 and PL 210 licences in Opara, Botswana, with sampling.

The firm announced, at the beginning of March, it would start exploration which costs $700,000. This includes drilling of a 300m deep central hole and one or two large diameter holes, at a depth of 300m also, on the PL260 licence. Bulk sample of 90 tons will be analyzed at a sampling unit. PL260 covers 25 km2 between the Karowe and Opara diamond mines. It contains three kimberlites AK21, AK22 and AK23 with diamonds.

Two or three 80 m deep holes should also be drilled on the PL210 licence, in the same area.

According to the announcement regarding exploration, a second team was dispatched at PL210, where another targeted sampling program will be done to determine where diamond drilling, which is to start at the beginning of April, will be done.

The company also said it will concentrate on the PLC135, PL136 and PL137 licences in Gope, once it completes its activities in Opara.

The six exploration licences held by the Sunland Minerals joint-venture, comprised of Botswana Diamonds and Alrosa, cover 1,359.9 km2.

Louis-Nino Kansoun