Modern exploration uses both traditional and also highly sophisticated technologies to identify and assess new diamond deposits. This is done in two stages, namely early stage and advanced exploration.
Kimberlite core samples from Canada
Early stage exploration – reconnaissance and discovery phases
The first step is to decide where to explore and, through a combination of techniques, identify targets for subsequent phases.
Three main techniques are used in diamond exploration:
Sampling
Sampling of soil and stream sediments for minerals that indicate kimberlite help in the discovery and initial assessment of new kimberlites. Indicator minerals include garnet, ilmenite, spinel, chrome diopside and diamond.
Samples are processed and the indicator minerals are extracted and analysed at our Indicator Mineral Laboratories in South Africa.
Drilling
A variety of drilling techniques including percussion, reverse circulation, large diameter drilling and coring, are used to extract material for further analyses.
Geophysics
This highly effective technique uses surface methods to probe or detect differences in the geology or kimberlite to make new discoveries and to assess the kimberlite size and form. Techniques include gravity, magnetics and electromagnetics.
Stream sampling at DBCM's Venetia Mine
Geological and Exploration Services
In support of our global exploration activities, the Geological and Exploration Services division brings together various geological and related disciplines:
- Geophysics
- Remote sensing
- Heavy mineral chemistry and mantle petrology
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Petrography
- Structural geology
- Systems development
- Information management
The division develops De Beers knowledge and capabilities in areas such as geophysics and remote sensing by participating in applied research and bringing new technologies to De Beers.
Another aspect of its work is the technical review of areas where De Beers Exploration has worked in the past.
For example, around mines opportunities for further mineralisation can be realised by carefully analysing data.
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