Tsodilo Resources has received the results of an independent modelled grade and diamond value for an aggregate 77.94 ct parcel of 502 commercial size diamonds.
These were recovered during large diameter drilling (LDD) from four kimberlite units at the BK16 kimberlite pipe, in the Orapa Kimberlite Field (OKF), in Botswana.
The current LDD sample average price is $176.44/ct, derived from a valuation of three parcels totalling 502 diamonds (77.94 ct).
The modelled average price ranges from $386/ct to $710/ct.
The five highest diamonds by value ranged from 0.97 ct to 1.94 ct with a total weight of 7.22 ct and have an average price valuation of $612.85/ct.
The modelled average grade ranges from eight carats per hundred tonnes (cpht) to 11 cpht.
Of the diamonds tested, 3.8% were identified as Type IIa diamonds – predominantly D colour stones.
Breakage studies indicate that about 70% of the diamonds were unbroken and of those that were broken, only 3.2% were heavily broken.
The size frequency distribution study demonstrates the presence of large stones, indicating that 8% may be greater than 10.8 ct, and 0.5% could be greater than 100 ct.
A Phase 2 bulk sampling programme is being planned.