SouthernEra Resources Limited
Commencement of Bulk Sampling of Gravels Overlying the M3 Kimberlite
on the Farm Marsfontein, South Africa
TORONTO, Dec. 24 /CNW/ - SouthernEra Resources Limited (SUF-TSE) is
pleased to announce that bulk sampling of the gravels overlying the M3
kimberlite has commenced on the farm Marsfontein in the Northern Province of
South Africa. Mining at Marsfontein is undertaken through a joint venture with
De Beers Consolidated Mines Ltd. (60% De Beers, 40% SouthernEra).
The M3 kimberlite was discovered during previous exploration work and
initial drilling delineated an elongated kimberlite body with a strike length
of 100 metres and a true width of up to 10 metres.
The kimberlite is overlain by 3 metres of sand and grit and 6 metres of
gravel. A sample trench was excavated across the kimberlite, perpendicular to
the strike, and a 154 tonne bulk sample of the top 2 metres of the gravel
horizon was treated in SouthernEra's 100 tph plant. 211.5 carats were
recovered, including one special stone weighing 13 carats, from this sample
yielding a grade of 137 carats per hundred tonnes (cpht).
Further testing of the remaining 4 metres of gravels will be completed
early in 1999, and a bulk sample of the M3 kimberlite itself will also be
treated.
The gravel horizon appears to continue to the south of the M3 kimberlite
and its extent will be delineated early in the new year.
The Marsfontein joint venture is continuing active exploration on the
farm Marsfontein, in order to locate and define all viable resources. It would
appear that the gravels overlying M3 constitute an increase in the overall
Marsfontein reserve base.
%SEDAR: 00004535E
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For further information: Christopher M.H. Jennings, President; A. Lee
Barker, Senior Vice-President; Kim Freeman, Vice-President, Operations; Frank
van de Water, Vice-President, Finance; Nicholas Sayce, Investor Relations,
Phone: (416) 359-9282, Fax: (416) 359-9141, e-mail: inbox@southernera.com,
southernera.com
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