Short Course on Diamonds and their primary and secondary sources
18 - 21 October 2016
University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
Course leaders: Mike de Wit and John Bristow
Topics to be covered on 18 – 20 October 2015:
1. Exploration: History of diamonds, World diamond markets, Origin of diamonds, Kimberlites/Lamproites and
cratons, Structural geology and diamond exploration, Modern Exploration techniques, Geophysics and
diamonds, Indicator minerals chemistry (Mike de Wit, John Bristow, Fanus Viljoen, Hielke Jelsma, Gavin Selfe,
Hilde Conwright, Katie Small).
2. Primary and secondary sources of diamonds: Classification of Primary sources of diamonds including
Kimberlites/Lamproites, Characteristics and settings of Secondary or alluvial diamond deposits in South Africa
(Orange, Vaal River, NW Province), Africa and India, Marine Diamond deposits (Johan Stiefenhofer, Tania
Marshall, John Ward, Mike de Wit).
3. Evaluation and Economic Valuation of Diamond Deposits: Due diligence and geological requirements,
Diamond valuation (rough and polished) and size frequency studies, Mining methods, Evaluation of alluvial
deposits, financial valuation models (John Bristow, Alex Holder, Derek Lahee, Jeffrey Brenner/Grant Ziegler,
Tania Marshall).
The 21th October will be allocated to:
4. Cullinan Diamond mine (Petra Diamonds) surface & underground visit, Cullinan (near Pretoria)
This unique course in diamond exploration and evaluation will be presented at the University of Pretoria presented by
a group of experts in their respective fields ranging from exploration methods, geophysical techniques appropriate to
diamond exploration, mining methods, diamonds, mineral chemistry, petrography, Kimberlites/Lamproites and
cratons, and secondary diamond deposits which will add significant value to those that are involved in these exciting
fields. It has been several decades since the last major discovery was made and the markets will be looking for an
additional production of diamonds in the future.
Funds that might be raised from this short course are earmarked to cover the registration expenses for the honours
students at the University of Pretoria and as well as for a post-graduate fund for junior lecturers at the University.
For more details contact Mike De Wit ([email protected]), or John Bristow ([email protected]). Some places have
been reserved for 2016 Geology Honours students so space is limited and early registration is recommended.
Registration and enquiries: Vusani Mathada; Tel: +27 (012) 420 2281
Email: [email protected]
Sponsors - Petra Diamonds, MSA, GSSA, De Beers, SEG