Gaborone: Botswana’s Ministry of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources through the Department of Mines on Monday invited interested companies or individuals to apply for precious stones prospecting licenses in the Orapa Kimberlite Field. In a statement, the ministry says areas to be applied for have been divided into six blocks covering some known kimberlites in the Orapa-Letlhakane area in eastern Botswana.

The ministry said interested parties should provide information indicating that they are qualified to undertake prospecting operations in accordance with provisions of the Mines and Minerals Act.

The Orapa Kimberlite Field is home to Botswana’s top diamonds mines as Debswana Orapa, Letlhakane and Damtshaa mines owned by De Beers in partnership with Botswana government.