An exploration company in which Russian State-owned giant Alrosa has a 50% stake has identified two targets believed to be diamond kimberlites in the Orapa region of Botswana.

Alrosa is undertaking diamond exploration in the Southern African country in a 50:50 joint venture (JV) with Botswana Diamonds (BOD). The JV partners say they are using “proven Russian technology” in Botswana for the first time.

Drilling is scheduled to be launched at the target areas this year.

“The Alrosa technology has identified these targets as having high potential to be new kimberlite discoveries. AN117/2, which has been identified using geophysical data, is scheduled to be drilled in September. AN117/1, identified by mineralogical analysis, will be further defined by a 300 m × 300 m transient electromagnetic method (TEM) survey, with a view that it will be progressed towards drilling,” says Alrosa in a market update.

Commenting on the exploration results, BOD chairperson John Teeling says: “We have provided extensive geological data, while Alrosa has applied unique technical skills to identify targets which the company believes are kimberlites that contain diamonds. This is the technology developed to ‘see’ through the tundra in Siberia, where 17 diamond mines attest to its success.

“The combination of Alrosa’s technological skills and our local diamond knowledge is a big asset to both parties, and I look forward to announcing soon that we are preparing to drill on PL117.

“This is what we hope for from the collaboration with Alrosa – new eyes, new ideas and new techniques bringing a fresh approach to exploring the best diamond region in the world.”

He adds that his company is awaiting the formal awarding of the new prospective licences by the Department of Mines in Botswana, and if awarded these areas, which have been identified as top-priority targets by the JV, will also be worked under a continued, joint work programme with Alrosa.