In this article
Diamond exploration must answer more than whether a possible kimberlite body exists. A development decision needs evidence that the body contains diamonds, what the size and value distribution might be, and whether that material can be mined and processed economically. Those questions are resolved in stages.
This guide explains a practical progression from target generation to sampling and evaluation in Botswana. It helps an owner understand what geophysics can identify and why representative diamond recovery and valuation remain separate tasks.
Use known operations as context
Debswana’s description of Jwaneng explains that its resource includes separate volcanic pipes. It is a useful example of why a kimberlite complex should not be treated as one uniform material. Its performance does not predict the value of a new target.
USGS’s Botswana industry information provides dated sector context. Keep that context separate from licence-level evidence and verify the current rights, access and intended activity before undertaking field disturbance.
Build and test the target hypothesis
Compile geological, geophysical and historical exploration information. Indicator-mineral work and physical anomalies may help identify targets, but the interpretation should state alternative sources and the uncertainty beneath cover. A magnetic anomaly alone does not prove a diamond-bearing pipe.
Rank targets by evidence and decide what direct sampling or drilling can establish their identity and geometry. Retain coordinates, acquisition records and the underlying datasets so later work can revisit the interpretation.
Separate presence, grade and value questions
Early samples can investigate rock type and diamond occurrence. Larger, carefully designed samples may be needed to assess grade and the stone-size distribution relevant to economics. Discuss sampling, treatment, recovery checks and statistical limitations with specialists before deciding the mass of a programme.
A small sample containing several diamonds cannot establish an average sale value for a commercial operation. Size distribution, recovery cutoff, sample origin and valuation basis can all change the meaning of the result. Document them alongside any reported carat figure.
Check the revenue arithmetic
Assume, solely for an illustration, 1,000 processed t at 0.5 recovered carats/t. Output is 500 carats. At an assumed realised average value of USD 100/carat, gross value is USD 50,000. Neither the grade nor value is a benchmark for Botswana or an estimate for your property.
Deduct the relevant mining, processing, recovery, selling and statutory costs, and assess capital separately. A higher carat grade can still have weaker economics if its stone-value distribution is poorer. Use a defensible valuation and product-recovery basis rather than a national average.
Plan recovery security and traceability
Define sample custody, recovery-accounting controls, laboratory or pilot-plant audits and secure storage. Keep the chain from sampled material to recovered stones and valuation intact. Agree who witnesses key steps and how reconciliation and disputes will be handled.
Confirm Botswana’s applicable exploration, sampling, environmental and diamond-trading requirements with qualified local advisers and authorities. A discovery-stage exploration scope should not be assumed to authorise bulk production or sale.
Questions and answers
Does finding diamonds in an early sample establish the project's value?
It establishes occurrence under that sampling and recovery basis. Commercial value still depends on grade, stone-size and value distributions, recovery and mining conditions. Have specialists explain the limitations and design the next sampling stage before applying an average sale value or a development budget to the target.
Should every part of a kimberlite complex be sampled as one material?
Separate geological units where the evidence suggests different characteristics. Combining them too early can hide differences in diamond occurrence, size distribution or treatment response. The sampling plan should preserve those distinctions so later grade and value work can be interpreted against the material actually mined.
Advance each diamond question separately
Use indirect methods to rank targets, direct work to establish bodies and specialist sampling to investigate grade and value. Keep recovery and custody records strong enough for the resulting evaluation. Your next step is a staged sampling brief stating which uncertainty each stage can actually resolve.
Sources and assumptions
Operator and USGS references were reviewed on 5 October 2026. All revenue-example inputs are hypothetical. No sampling mass, target value or current licensing term is prescribed.