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BK11 Kimberlite, Orapa, Botswana

The BK11 kimberlite is located in the Orapa kimberlite field in northern Botswana. With eight economic kimberlites out of the 75 kimberlites discovered in the field to date and a new mine being developed by African Diamonds plc in joint venture with De Beers, the Orapa field has an economic ratio of more than 10%, which is significantly higher than the global average of 1%. The Orapa Mine produces approximately $1 billion in revenue and $800 million in operating profit per annum, and is one of the richest diamond mines in the world.

BK11 is located approximately 7 kilometres north-west and 20 kilometres south-east of De Beers' Letlhakane and Orapa mines, respectively, and is within 5 kilometres of the proposed new mine at AK6. The surface area of BK11 is estimated to be 8 hectares, and overburden is shallow at less than 20 metres.

Phase 1 evaluation was completed in June 2008, with very encouraging results. A sample of 135 tonnes of kimberlite produced a sample grade of 10 cpht and a modelled grade of 15 cpht. The quality of diamonds recovered was very good, comprising mostly clear white gemstones, and the value was estimated at approximately $200 per carat in June 2008. BK11 contains approximately 17 million tonnes of kimberlite material to a depth of 120 metres.

Phase 2 evaluation, comprising approximately 2,300 metres of percussion, core and 36 inch large diameter drilling, commenced in July 2008. The Company expects that this will provide sufficient data to define an inferred resource.

With the well developed infrastructure in the Orapa area and a new mine being developed 5 kilometres away at AK6, the grade required for BK11 to be economically viable is modest. Subject to the results of the Phase 2 evaluation work, the Company is examining the feasibility of accelerating a development decision on BK11 to allow first production from BK11 to commence in 2010. Firestone owns an 80% interest in BK11.




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