Once a promising diamond deposit has been identified, we use specific methods to further assess and develop it.
The dense media separation plant at AK06. Advanced stage evaluation has resulted in the Orapa AK06 kimberlite project moving into mining stage.
Microdiamond analysis
This uses the size, frequency and distribution of tiny diamonds to assess the potential of the deposit. Our expertise in this area allows us to prioritise projects and advance them more rapidly.
Macrodiamond analysis
In this instance, high-interest kimberlites are bulk sampled (>100 tonnes) to extract diamonds for grade and revenue estimates. We also use it to draw up geological models of the area in question.
Laboratory services
De Beers has globally benchmarked and proven laboratory services for diamond exploration. These include:
- Group Exploration Macrodiamond Laboratory, where the focus lies in the treatment and recovery of macrodiamonds
- Kimberley Microdiamond Laboratory, which does microdiamond analyses of exploration samples
- Indicator Mineral Laboratory, which is responsible for kimberlitic indicator mineral recovery and analysis for our exploration projects
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