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The former French Colony of Oubangui-Chari, was renamed the Central African Republic on independence in 1960. Completely landlocked, the CAR is sparsely populated with population estimated at 4.3 million. Following the approval by voters of the new constitution in December 2004, elections were held in 2005, in which François Bozizé was elected president. Diamonds are one of the primary mineral resources currently being developed and constitute the most important export of the CAR.
Mambere River
Through Gem Diamond Centrafrique, Gem Diamonds currently holds a 25-year mining permit and a three-year research permit for the Mambéré River project which covers an 80km stretch with a strip approximately 5km wide on either bank of the Mambéré River near the town of Berberati. Current exploration focus is on the area known as "le Buckle". Diamondiferous gravels have been identified by previous explorers throughout the area. Development of the project is through a joint venture owned 75 % by Gem Diamond Centrafrique and 25 % by the Government of the CAR.
Aerial View
Bulk sample plant at Mambere
South Mambéré: Sample Results
In 2007, a sampling programme of pitting followed by bulk sampling was carried out across the extensive older terraces and at several localities in the modern Mambéré River in the southern part of the concession. Samples ranged in size from prospecting samples of 20 tonnes to 10,000 tonnes for the largest bulk sample and a total of 399 carats were recovered from 34 000 tonnes treated. At 1.19 cpht the diamond grade from these older terraces has been determined sub-economic. In contrast, sampling of the Mambéré River gravels, using river diversions, has returned much higher grades. This work is continuing.
North Mambéré: Exploration
Published information from the northern part of the concession records strong historical production from the Mambéré River tributaries. Quickbird satellite imagery is being added to this data and to the results of geological work currently in progress. Auger drills and pitting are being used to locate and delineate gravel deposits which may be of sufficient size and grade to warrant mining.
Treating gravel from Mambéré River
Mambéré River Diversion
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