Australia’s Lonrho Mining said the Angolan government has given it approval to start its alluvial diamond exploration and mining joint venture at the Lulo concession. The company plans to start alluvial operations in April.

Lonrho Mining said it has completed 70 percent of its airborne magnetic and radiometric survey over the 1,000 square kilometer target area, and the whole thing should be done by February 7, with a report due by the end of the month. The preliminary data are of exceptionally high quality, and the geological structures appear very well defined, the company said. The survey is targeting kimberlite pipes within the survey area, of which 27 are known to be between the Lulo and Cacuilo Rivers.

In addition, construction of the Cacuilo River base camp has begun, and is due for completion in March. A diamond recovery plant is scheduled for completion on the site by mid-April, depending on logistical considerations.

he company is planning a geological mapping survey of the Cacuilo River picro-ilmenite rich terrace gravels. After that is done, the firm will begin excavation of a 6,000 ton bulk sample, which should be by the end of March.

[AFNS] LUANDA, ANGOLA 05-02-2008 – Catched by Diamondtopics.com