SOUTHERNERA Diamonds Inc. has recovered a 1.05 carat stone as well as a large number of smaller diamonds from its alluvial operations in the Tshikapa region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The aim of this first phase programme is to locate high interest diamond bearing gravel deposits by testing a selected number of separate sample sites along the course of the river. Within the project area a total of 154.27 tonnes of active river channel gravel has been recovered and is being treated. SouthernEra’s President and CEO Alasdair MacPhee said: “We are very encouraged with the alluvial diamond results to date from an evaluation programme that is in its infancy. It represents SouthernEra’s first potential new source of diamonds since the Marsfontein Mine discovery in South Africa.”

Partially treated samples have recovered 506 diamonds, totaling 71.80 carats, from five of the 21 active channel exploration sample sites that have been tested. The results include only the diamonds recovered from the fine fraction 2 to 4mm mesh screen size, as the coarse fraction 4 to 16m mesh screen sizes will be treated through a diamond X-ray Flowsort machine which is on its way to the site. In addition to the active river channels, significant diamond deposit potential exists within large alluvial flats occurring in the SouthernEra permit areas. The exploration of these floodplain deposits has commenced in one area with a large seismic geophysical survey.

In addition to the alluvial diamond program, SouthernEra has an extensive portfolio of exclusive primary diamond potential exploration permits covering 13,600 square kilometers located within the diamond-rich Kasai Provinces of the DRC. The known kimberlites in this region are of exceptional size and grade and this area is considered the world’s most prospective new diamond exploration opportunity. “We have, over the past few months, been evaluating various alternatives that would accelerate the alluvial and kimberlite programs in the DRC, including discussions with major mining companies, in order that the potential of these projects be realized as soon as possible,” MacPhee added.
SouthernEra opearates advanced diamond exploration projects in the DRC, Canada, South Africa, Gabon, Zimbabwe, and Australia.