Potential of Marine Diamond Mining

 

It is estimated that only 10% of the diamond deposits along the South African West Coast are shore based where some of the most successful mining operations have been continuing for decades. 

 

The greatest wealth remains largely untouched beneath the sea due to the difficulty of operating at depths and where it is generally known that rich deposits exist over a large area.

 

The diamond deposits along the West Coast, is estimated to be in excess of 1.5 billion carats, of which 90-95% are gem quality.

 

Due to the diminishing nature of land based resources as well as political, environmental and other external negative influences on mining have placed the focus on the sea for provider of the worlds future resources.

 

It is this opportunity that PANDA MARINE wants take advantage of as a developer of marine mining methods, technologies and operator of facilities. 

 

 

Company Business

 

The focus of the Company's marine mining activities revolve around the unique underwater machines, processing equipment and facilities to be used for the prospecting of DIAMONDS on SEA AREAS off the NAMAQUALAND COAST, SOUTH AFRICA.

 

The proto-type mining platform "Petrie-Hein" will be duplicated to provide the company with a fleet of LOW COST mining and exploration boats primarily intended for use on the company's own mining areas as well as being available to other industries on a contract or JV basis.

 

 

Historic background

 

During 2002 the Company was commissioned to investigate the technical aspects of sub-sea diamond mining on the South African West Coast.

 

After this assignment the Company continued to do research and development work that lead to the design of submersible mining machinery and processing equipment.

 

The design philosophy intends to provide a technical solution to marine diamond mining that fits between the high capital intensive deep water operations and the low cost shallow water diving operations.

 

The equipment was designed to replace the diver with a submersible machine that can operate at deeper depths for longer hours and at a lower capital cost than the larger operators.  Marrying proven marine mining techniques with good engineering practice will result in an environmentally friendly marine mining solution.

 

Company was awarded  NEW ORDER Prospecting Rights in terms of section 17(1) of the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (Act 28 of 2002) (MPRDA) and consists of approximately 118 sq. kms on sea and is situated opposite the GROEN RIVER mouth where it is renowned that larger concentrations of diamonds are found.  Diamonds were washed down into the coastal area from older, inland terrestrial terraces, by ancient river systems over millions of years.

 

During the end of 2009 the company moved its operations to LANGEBAAN and SALDANHA BAY on the South African West Coast from where it conducts its operations.

 

 

 

The Future

 

The Company has the opportunity and the abilities to successfully harvest diamonds from the sea and to expand its business into other related facets.

 

The focus is presently to refine the proto-type mining platform and to duplicate the concept. This will provide a benchmark exploration vessel for use anywhere a low cost facility is required.

 

It is also a high priority to expand the engineering capability to manufacture the mining platforms and to manage the operations.

 

An important part of the activities of the Company focuses on beneficiation, the marketing and refinement of its production. This also includes other activities like DIAMOND TOURISM and the promotion of the South African marine diamond industry as a unique entity.

 

 

Funding

 

The Company was established as a transition from the previous family business and initially funded by the Pansegrouw Family. It is presently funded by local and international private investors.  

 

Ultimately a listing will be considered at the right strategic time to fund further expansion and to facilitate the trade in the company's shares.

 

 

Conclusion

 

PANDA MARINE Mining and Exploration Limited is the developer of Unique Technology to harvest Diamonds from the sea and owners of lucrative Mining Rights. The company has the potential and technical ability to become a major player on the marine diamond mining arena.

 

Although enjoying huge interests world wide and with specific plans to establish its brand in every household, PANDA MARINE is still very much an under the radar company.

 

With tenacity it has survived and flourished to move past the normal risks associated with new ventures. It has established itself with the capacity to ensure a sustainable and profitable venture for its stake holders.

 

Diamond demand is tied to the increasing number and wealth of the global middle class especially in China and India. Combined with its safe-haven appeal ensures that its popularity as a resource will linger for a long time to come. Therefore, as an established technology focused provider of marine mining solutions, PANDA MARINE Mining and Exploration is certainly sailing in the right direction.