Alluvial diamond-miner Namibian Resources has entered into negotiations regarding the purchase of an offshore diamond-recovery vessel for $13-million, Mining weekly reported.

The bidding is being handled through Namibian Resources ' subsidiary, Sonnberg Diamonds.

In a statement quoted by the newspaper, the diamond miner noted that Sonnberg planned to establish a marine diamond-mining division to complement its onshore operations.

The ship, which is equipped with an integrated diamond-mining and recovery system, would provide its subsidiary with immediate diamond production. Namibian Resources aims to raise about $3 million in order to fund the acquisition.

Meanwhile, Sonnberg has resumed limited operations at its Pomona onshore contract area. Mining was expected to restart this month, as the company tries to bring its mining and processing equipment back to an operational level.