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Estimates of Sierra Leone's diamond potential
at present are ambiguous, even mythical. A Canadian
company, African Diamond Holdings, believes that
the true source of Sierra Leone's diamonds may
not have been found yet, and it is currently investing
$2 million in an aerial geological survey of large
parts of the country. A 2002 British Department
for International Development (DFID) study estimated
diamond output “within 4-5 years”
at “between 750,000 and 1 million carats
a year”, which means that the “value
of exports will rise from around $50 million in
2002 to as much as $180 million by 2006.”
There is a strong likelihood that the large size
of the gems recovered and the presence of garnet
and ilmenite fragments in the gravel, indicate
a local Kimberlite source in Sandoh.
Nimiyama chiefdom, lies to the south of Sandoh
chiefdom on the other side of the Bafi river.
The report of SRK Exploration Services indicated
the presence of several prospective areas within
our lease, which we intend to explore during 2008/9.
In addition, we will start investigating the
viability of the Kimberlite deposits in the Nimi
hills.
Our initial RAP survey has revealed the presence
of highly prospective paleochannels in the northern
part of our lease area, which will be the target
of our second mining camp to be opened early in
2008.
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