NamDeb, a 50:50 joint venture between global diamond-miner De Beers and the Namibian government, says that the future of the diamond-miner now hinges on alluvial deposits owing to the declining carat profile of its inland concessions.

Land-based production is expected to decline by half by 2010, and diamonds from marine operations are expected to shore up the company’s production profile and balance sheet.

Namdeb group external affairs manager Hilifa Mbako says that the company is investing a huge chunk of its exploration budget in sampling and the development of technology to make the new exploration push a reality.

Mbako says that the diamond-miner is targeting virgin exploration ground, adding that areas targeted so far have the potential to deliver up to 500 000 ct/y.

He adds that exploration is targeting the beach areas along the Atlantic coast and shallow and midwater areas from the beach going a few hundred metres into the sea. All the areas fall within the company’s land licence areas.

Namibia is the only country where diamonds are mined from the seafloor and De Beers is planning a similar operation in South Africa.

“Exploration activities are mainly in the Sperrgebiet area, in diamond area number one, where Namdeb licences are held,” Mbako says.

“Carats on land are depleting and diamonds are not renewable. We are faced with a declining carat profile,” Mbako says.

He reports that Namdeb is also drilling for diamonds in the eastern parts of the country, in areas such as Kavango and the eastern Caprivi region, but the scope of this exploration does not fall under the ambit of the R750-million programme.

Seven geophysical anomalies have reportedly been selected for drilling on two exclusive prospecting licences (EPLs) in north-eastern Namibia.

Namdeb has been conducting various geographical surveys, as well as soil and stream sediment sampling over the area covered by the EPLs.

To date the company has identified 15 genuine airborne geophysical anomalies, which were subsequently tested in 2007 by various ground-based geophysical surveys.

While analysis of the ground-based surveys continues, seven drilling targets have been recommended and drilling is under way, although no results are available yet.

Diamond-mining accounts for 8% of Namibia’s total gross domestic product and about 38% of its primary industry output.

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