Miner Firestone Diamonds said that it intends on going ahead with the development of commercial diamond mining operations in Botswana.



The diamond miner's chief geologist told the Botswana Press Agency that the miner will pursue operations in the kimberlite mine, adding that production was expected to begin before the end of the Q2-1010. Full production is expected to begin by the year's end.

According to the report, Firestone Diamonds' decision to render the site operational followed several environmental impact assessment studies supporting it. The reports were also approved by Botswana's Department of Environmental Affairs.

Firestone Diamonds was awarded a prospecting license for the B/K 11 kimberlite pipe, which stands to have a 10 year lifespan, in March 2007.