Gaborone, Botswana – In a development that could reshape the diamond mining landscape in Botswana, Botswana Diamonds has announced the discovery of seven potential kimberlite targets through the application of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technology.
The company’s analysis, encompassing a staggering 375,000 kilometres of geophysical data and 32,000 drill hole logs, utilised Planetary AI’s Xplore mineral prospectivity technology. This cutting-edge approach has yielded promising results, identifying several areas of high potential, including strong anomalies near Jwaneng, Lerala, and Mahalapye, renowned for their diamond deposits.
One anomaly, situated southwest of Debswana’s Jwaneng Mine, has particularly piqued the interest of company executives. Its unique characteristics suggest the presence of multiple potential kimberlites, a discovery that could significantly enhance Botswana’s diamond mining potential.
“Kimberlites are notoriously difficult and expensive to find,” remarked John Teeling, Chairman of Botswana Diamonds. “Worldwide, less than 8,000 have been discovered. To unearth seven potential targets in a relatively short timeframe is a remarkable achievement.”
Teeling emphasized the transformative potential of this AI-driven exploration, stating, “We believe there are more diamond mines to be found in Botswana, and we are well-positioned to capitalize on these exciting discoveries.”
Echoing Teeling’s sentiments, Managing Director James Campbell drew parallels with the rediscovery of the AK6 (Karowe) mine, a testament to the power of technological advancements in diamond exploration.
“Whenever there is a significant leap in technology, it redefines the exploration landscape,” Campbell observed. “The maturity of AI exploration solutions, combined with the vast datasets now available, is ushering in a new era of discovery. We are excited to move forward with ground-level exploration and bring these promising targets to the next stage.”
This breakthrough has significant implications for Botswana, a nation where diamonds have long been a cornerstone of the economy. The discovery of new diamond deposits could not only bolster the country’s economic growth but also create new employment opportunities and further solidify its position as a global leader in the diamond industry.
Botswana Diamonds has already taken concrete steps to capitalize on these findings, applying for prospecting licenses over the identified target areas. As the company embarks on this new chapter in its exploration journey, the excitement within the industry, and indeed the nation, is palpable. The potential for significant diamond discoveries could reshape the future of Botswana’s diamond mining sector and solidify its position as a global leader in the diamond industry.