Australian mining junior Impact Minerals, which is currently prospecting in Botswana, says it hopes to start developing a uranium project in the country as early as next year.

“The company has already identified a 400-km strike zone lying just north and south of A-Cap Resources’ Letlhakane uranium project, in central Botswana. “Drilling is expected to take place in the fourth quarter of this year,” says MD Dr Michael Jones.

He says the potential to develop the pro- ject has always been there, explaining that the area was not developed before because a layer of sand, no thicker than 10 m, covers the top of the area, preventing the radiometric anomalies from being discovered.

“The company has found 18 significant radiometric anomalies on the 400-km strike zone. “Five of these targets were identified as priority targets and geochemistry testing has been conducted on them. The results of these tests are expected in the first quarter of 2010,” says Jones.

He adds that Botswana offers an attractive investment option to the company, with the most attractive aspect being the country’s political stability. He notes that, because mining contri- butes between 40% and 50% to Botswana’s gross domestic product, the Botswana government is highly supportive of mining initiatives.

Meanwhile, Impact recently entered into an alliance with platinum major Impala Platinum.

In line with the agreement, Implats has invested $800 000 to fund exploration activities, which Impact is undertaking. The agreement is for two years and covers exploration activities in eight Southern African countries.

“Should Implats want to develop an identified project further, this would be done in conjunction with Impact and will cost Impala $2-million, which will entitle Implats to a 50% stake in the project. “Should Implats not want to develop a project, then the project will be given back to Impact,” says Jones.

He adds that the company has already identified the first project in the alliance and will shortly be presenting the investment case to Implats.

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