Prospecting licences held by dual-listed Botswana Diamonds subsidiary Sunland Minerals have been renewed until September 20, 2021.
The licences, which cover just over 500 km2, are located in the Kalahari Desert, west of the Ghaghoo diamond mine.
Botswana Diamonds on Thursday confirmed that it had already identified prospective drill-ready targets through intensive work including aeromagnetic surveys, ground magnetic surveys, soil sampling and target selection.
Analysis of concentrations of kimberlitic indicator minerals on the licence indicate proximity to kimberlite pipes, which regional geology suggests may be attractive in size and grade, the miner added.
Botswana Diamonds is already in extended discussions with a major international diamond producer to form a joint venture for the next phase of work on these strategic licences.