Poster Presentation
The AK6 kimberlite at Karowe Diamond Mine comprises three adjacent coalesced kimberlite pipes known as the South, Centre and North Lobes that have been mined by open pit methods since 2012. A feasibility study for an underground (UG) operation to extend the mine life by 13 years was completed in 2019 and construction commenced in 2020. A comprehensive review of the South Lobe geology that began in 2017 as part of a resource extension drilling program resulted in a significant update to the geological model. In combination with the updated resource estimate based on historic large diameter bulk sampling, discrete production samples, production and sales data, and drill core microdiamond data, this led to recognition and re-definition of the full volume extent and distribution of the higher-value EM/PK(S) kimberlite unit. The increased volume and value attributes of the EM/PK(S) positively impacted the potential for an underground mine. The model and estimate were subsequently updated as part of the UG feasibility study. Karowe Mine is one of the world’s foremost producers of large, high‐value diamonds including Type IIa and coloured diamonds. The AK6 kimberlite is also geologically distinct from the nearby AK1 and other Orapa field kimberlites in terms of its kimberlite texture despite their comparable age and geological setting.
Authors:
Kimberley Webb | SRK Consulting (Canada)
Cliff Revering | SRK Consulting (Canada)
John Armstrong | Canada
Thebe Fresh Tlhaodi | Lucara Botswana (Pty) Ltd, Letlhakane, Botswana
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