By:Miningweekly

London-listed Botswana Diamonds has been granted a mining permit for its Thorny River project, in Limpopo, South Africa.

The Thorny River project is close to the mined-out Marsfontein mine.

Botswana Diamonds has undertaken extensive geophysics, drilling and bulk sampling along the Thorny River dyke system. The geology and grades are consistent with those in the nearby Klipspringer mine to the west, the company points out.

The company previously decided to use contractors to mine the nearby Marsfontein gravels and dumps project as a “proof of concept”, with Botswana Diamonds receiving a 15% revenue royalty.

A contractor moved on site and undertook some trial mining, but falling diamond prices and permitting delays resulted in operations being placed on care and maintenance in October 2023.

Once diamond prices recover, mining can resume at Marsfontein, as well as start at Thorny River, now that permits are in force, Botswana Diamonds points out.

“At last, we have received the mining permit. We also note a small improvement in diamond prices. If the price rises are sustained, we can look forward to the commencement of contractor mining at Thorny River,” chairperson John Teeling highlights.