Main Page Content
Jwaneng, Botswana
The Jwaneng Mine is the world's biggest diamond mine, producing over $2 billion revenue and over $1.8 billion operating profit per annum.
De Beers Joint Venture
The Jwaneng joint venture project with De Beers covers an area of approximately 3,700 sq. km located around the Jwaneng Mine. Under the terms of the joint venture, De Beers is financing all exploration and evaluation work up to completion of bankable feasibility in return for a 61% interest in the project.
Much of the area covered by the Jwaneng prospecting licences has never been fully explored using modern geophysical exploration techniques, and is considered to be highly prospective for the discovery of new diamondiferous kimberlites.
In 2006 De Beers commenced geophysical surveys in the Jwaneng region using their new Zeppelin Airborne Gravity Gradiometer system, which is the most advanced airborne gravity system available. Results from Zeppelin surveys conducted over De Beers' ground immediately surrounding the Jwaneng Mine have been exceptionally good, showing a five to ten-fold improvement in data quality compared to other airborne gravity systems. All of the joint venture ground will be surveyed by the Zeppelin in 2007, and drilling of targets identified by the surveys is expected to commence in the second half of 2007.
Firestone Exploration Area
In 2006, Firestone was awarded new prospecting licences in the Jwaneng region over an area of approximately 1,000 square kilometres. Field work on this area is currently being planned.
