Botswana gives Irish firm extension

AFRICAN DIAMONDS, the Irish AIM and Botswana-listed diamond explorer, has received a letter from the Botswana Ministry of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources stating that the negotiation period for the AK6 mining licence terms and conditions has been extended until the September 30, 2008.

The AK6 diamond prospect is controlled by joint venture company Boteti — a partnership between African Diamonds (28%) and De Beers (71%). African Diamonds and De Beers have been in dispute over timelines for advancing production at AK6 and a Botswana court ruling on the dispute is expected early September.