Diamond exploration firm Botswana Diamonds said it has identified five targets on its new licence in the Orapa region of Botswana.

The licence, which was issued in May, covers an area of 249 sq km and lies 30km to the east of the Letlhakane diamond mine.

The company said results of testing in the area were very encouraging, and would enable the company to move forward to its next stage of exploration activity.

Mineral chemistry data from soil samples collected on the licence and a review of aeromagnetic data showed areas with concentrations of diamond indicator minerals including garnets and ilmenites.

“We believe the five target areas we are now focussing on offer very high potential, and look forward to providing a further update on the findings of the ground magnetic and gravity surveys before the end of the year,” chairman John Teeling said.

The company said a geophysics team is conducting ground magnetic and gravity surveys to identify drilling targets, with results expected within six weeks.