Mr. Kitso Mokaila

The Botswana government has invited bids for precious stones prospecting licences in the Orapa Kimberlite Field in the central part of the country. The area is home to operating Debswana mines and independent operations, Karowe mine owned by Lucara Diamond.

According to a notice from Department of Mines in the Ministry of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources, the areas to be applied for have been divided into six (6) blocks: A, B, C, D, E and F covering some known kimberlites in the Orapa – Letlhakane area.

“Interested parties must provide information indicating that they are qualified to undertake prospecting operations in accordance with PART IV of the Mines and Minerals Act, CAP. 66:01,” said a notice from the Department of Mines.

Sunland Minerals—a joint venture between Botswana Diamonds and Russian diamond major, Alrosa is currently exploring for diamonds in the Orapa Kimberlite area.

The department has advised that application for each block must be submitted separately in one (1) original plus three (3) duplicate copies to the physical address above, on or before 1630 hours local time on the 17 July 2015 and should be clearly marked “Application for Prospecting Licences in the Orapa Kimberlite Field – 2015” (also indicating the block applied for).