2. The Kukama “kimberlites”
A cluster of four small diamondiferous intrusions
of evolved “kimberlite” with Group II or
lamproitic affinity.
Discovery 1996 by Canadian junior TNK
Resources Inc.
Program initiated and managed by MPH
Consulting Ltd, Toronto.
Later evaluation in joint venture with De Beers
Prospecting.
Part of the 1990s “diamond exploration boom”
19. Petrography
The Kukama kimberlites are evolved rocks and exhibit
features more typical of Group II or lamproitic intrusions.
Go173N is hypabyssal facies and highly diluted, with 50%
basalt xenocrysts.
Go211 and 234 contain both crater and hypabyssal facies.
The indicator mineral suites are dominated by garnet and
spinel. Ilmenite is rare. G10 garnets are rare. However
34-45% of the garnets are eclogitic and these show
elevated Na2O consistent with presence of diamonds.
Diamond inclusion spinels are present, but in very low
abundances
22. Conclusion
The Kukama discoveries, though not apparently economic,
were probably the most significant discoveries in Botswana
during the 1990s diamond exploration boom. The last word
on Kukama has yet to be written.
Kukama led Petra Diamonds towards the discovery of KX-
36.
23. Lessons from the TNK program
Good area selection – on craton, close to Go25
discovery (Ghaghoo Mine). Large initial area of
6,700 km2
Add value to existing aeromag data.
Effective aeromagnetic target screening by heavy
mineral sampling – identified one very anomalous
site.
Routine geochemistry and down-hole indicator
mineral sampling identifies kimberlite not
recognised on the drill site.
Delineation of kimberlite bodies by core drilling.
24. Lessons from the TNK program (2)
MiDA and KIM studies showed kimberlites
to be diamondiferous.
When unable to raise further exploration
funding in post Bre-X era, entered into JV
with De Beers.
25. Were there any discoveries during the 1990s
diamond exploration boom?
The 1990s boom triggered work on a number of
kimberlites in Lesotho & South Africa. MPH
pioneered evaluation of the Liqhobong pipes,
Lesotho, which were artisanal workings. Now
held by Firestone Diamonds plc and the
Government of Lesotho, Liqhobong has just gone
into commercial production.