Ph.D. candidate Marion Miensopust and MT technician Jessica Spratt, check an MTU box as part of the SAMTEX survey in northern Botswana; the women are working under the supervision of Dr. Alan Jones of DIAS. Alan is reflected in the mirror as he takes the picture. The demand for diamonds has exceeded supply since 1999, sparking a diamond exploration boom. However, in spite of considerable expenditures, the ratio of reserves to annual production worldwide has declined consistently in recent years. Because there have been no major discoveries for about five years, new kimberlite exploration methodologies are needed. Research is ongoing in an attempt to provide a better understanding of the factors controlling diamond occurrence.
The Southern African Magnetotelluric Experiment (SAMTEX) is a regional-scale MT investigation of the deep structure of southern Africa, particularly the Kaapvaal Craton but also the attached mobile belts; it extends into northern Namibia and Botswana, on to the Angola Craton and the enigmatic Rehoboth Craton. Cratons are the ancient, relatively undisturbed |
