Mining For Copper/Silver In Northern Botswana

Discovery Metals – An Investors Dream <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

It’s Sunday morning in early November, I have been visiting some friends nearby the DML camp, and we are talking about the pre-feasibility drilling program that is underway. Having bought some of their shares about 6 months age, this site visit is like a dream come true an opportunity to see what you have invested in.

One of the geologists explains that there are 2 types of drilling that are currently in progress. The diamond drilling produces the core samples that are stored in racks by the camp headquarters. The second kind of drilling is called RC (Reverse Circulation) drilling. It uses compaction to make the rocks dust and pipes with inner pipes. High-pressure air is used to drive the dust up the inner pipe. RC drilling is a cheaper way to get to the deposit, where the diamond drilling takes over. Some of the drill holes are up to 100 metres deep.

While we did not talk safety, I could see a health and safety approach everywhere I visited. I used to have organizational safety responsibilities as part of my job, so it tends to stick out. HIV training sessions are planned, hard hats not in use hang on hooks, a stretcher was readily available, fire extinguishers are plentiful and an assembly point in case of fire clearly marked. I was not allowed to get closer than 60 metres from the RC drilling site – I didn’t have safety boots, goggles, hardhat or dust mask.

Geologists are much like politicians. They are very hard to pin down. Investors are interested in knowing if exploration will turn into mining. You may as well ask the rocks around the surrounding Kgwebe Hills.

The ride back to Maun is hot and bumpy. The road to Toteng has some heavy corrugation. After a shower and early supper I retire for the evening. Although I sleep well, I end up dreaming about my visit to DML.

Currently, there are just over 30 people working at the site. If mining goes ahead this number could rise to 100 people. If mining and exploration go ahead at the same time, then 150 or more people working at the site are possible. Raw materials would probably be transported to Walvis Bay, Namibia and shipped by boat for processing. Before that happens they have to build a road to the highway and improve on the long-term staff facilities. Dreaming can be a wonderful experience. I can even see a swimming pool in the plans, for the workers to relax at the end of the day. At the end I am dreaming about the pre-feasibility results. Just as they are flashing into my dream a rooster crows and I awake.

Let’s see how much of the dream becomes reality.