Author 1:

Name & Surname: Mukhin P. A.
Company: SRK Consulting Ltd. (Almaty, Kazakhstan)
Work Position: Chief Geologist
Scientific Degree: Candidate of Geologo-Mineralogical Sciences
Contacts: e-mail: pmukhin@srk.kz

Author 2:
Name & Surname: Rau G.
Company: Sakawe Mining Corporation Samicor (Cape Town, South Africa)
Scientific Degree: Master of Science in Geology
Work Position: Chief Geologist

Author 3:

Name & Surname: Franceschini G.
Company: Educandato Statale Collegio Uccellis (Trieste, Italy)
Work Position: Lecturer
Scientific Degree: Doctor of Mineralogical Sciences

Article represents extensive, well-reasoned and illustrated study summarizing the history and development of diamond exploration along coastal shelf of Central Namibia — from divers to modern and effective methods of technical and technological systems for prospecting, exploration and production. Based on the published data and the experience of leading diamond-mining companies, the authors formulate the modern concept of genesis, geological characteristics, assumptions and factors, detection of offshore diamond deposits, exploration, testing, evaluation and development. The article discusses underwater equipment, technologies and methods of exploration and extraction of diamonds, as well as the organizational, technical and laboratory (including mapping) software works with the use of IP-based technologies, devices and equipment. The prospects and the main directions of further development of underwater diamond mining are also discussed. Summarizing the experience of exploration, prospecting and underwater diamond mining activities in Namibia, the article represents essentially methodological manual and in this context is relevant for countries and companies interested in the development of underwater mineral resources shelves. The authors express their gratitude to the Director Board and the General Director (E. Nafussi) of Samicor Ltd for the opportunity to use the company data on underwater diamond operations and permission for the publication. The authors are also grateful to the General Director of SRK Consulting (Kazakhstan) Ltd. T. Thornton for comprehensive support for the publication of the article.

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