Triple-listed Vancouver-based Lucara Diamond Corp has received approval from the Botswana Department of Environmental Affairs to proceed with extracting a bulk sample from one of two high-potential exploration licenses located on Karowe mine.
The high potential licenses which were awarded in 2014, were believed to host at least three known diamondiferous kimberlites ÔÇô BK02, AK11 and AK12 ÔÇô and the company advised that it was ready to move forward with more in-depth exploration work on BK02 in November. Applications for mineral extraction from AK11 and AK12 are in progress.
CEO William Lamb said, “The receipt of the permits is a positive step forward in our resource extension campaign. We are excited about the prospects of these licences based on the historical work conducted on the property.” The sample is expected to be around 5,000 tons, and the contract for extraction and transport is already in place, with earth moving equipment being mobilized at the BK02 kimberlite within the next two weeks.
Initial work would involve removing the overburden and trenching, to determine the optimal sample areas before extraction started. Lucara advised that applications were in progress for bulk sample extraction from the AK11 and AK12 kimberlites, along with the required permits to allow drilling on the respective sites.
