SouthernEra tests kimberlitic bodies discovered in Gabon

SouthernEra Diamonds Inc reported on January 23, 2006 that micro-diamond testing ("MiDA") of kimberlitic bodies discovered in Gabon, Central Africa has commenced and that 7 new kimberlitic bodies within its diamond exploration permit areas have been discovered. SouthernEras exploration program in Gabon during 2006 will focus on evaluating the diamond potential of the known kimberlitic bodies and to continue to follow-up on positive kimberlitic indicator mineral stream sample results that suggest additional bodies are to be discovered. Kimberlitic samples from six separate bodies recently arrived in Canada for MiDA and kimberlitic samples from a further 8 separate bodies are en route to Canada for MiDA. The results are anticipated in the 2nd Quarter of 2006.

The test concluded that the kimberlitic bodies have a high potential to host diamonds. Six of the seven newly discovered kimberlitic bodies occur within the 1,837 square-kilometer Makongonio diamond project area where SouthernEra has a 60% interest in a Joint Venture with the Gabonese mining company, COGEMAT (35%) and GEOSCAN (5%). Previous exploration efforts by competitors failed to locate the primary source of the diamonds or any kimberlitic indicator minerals. Gabon is one of five countries in which SouthernEra is engaged in extensive diamond exploration. Others are Canada, the DRC, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. The Company also maintains an 18 percent free-carried interest in the Camafuca Diamond Project in Angola and operates the Klipspringer Diamond Mine in South Africa.

Over the past 2 years SouthernEra has discovered 14 kimberlitic bodies within this permit area including the first known pipe (approximately 1 hectare in size) in Gabon. In addition, a kimberlitic dyke over 2m wide was also discovered within the 100% owned Sud diamond permit, located approximately 60km to the northeast of the Makongonio discoveries. Commenting on these newest discoveries, SouthernEras Senior Vice President of Exploration, Howard Bird, said: "These recent discoveries have added to favourable results in Gabon in 2005. It is encouraging to have found high pressure garnets in our Gabonese discoveries, indicating high diamond potential of the kimberlitic bodies. These dyke-like bodies range in thickness from 2m to over 21m, unlike most known dyke systems that normally occur in the 1m width range. In addition, it is evident from our sampling results that these emplacement systems have considerable strike lengths in excess of 10km. I am looking forward to the results of the first phase of evaluation of these and other bodies that are soon to be evaluated".