Botswana Diamondfields-Acquisition of the Rovic Diamond Mine Completed, X-Ray Sortex Machine Acquired, 17 ct and 29 ct Stones Recovered.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 10, 1996-- Botswana Diamond (VSE:BWD.) Botswana Diamondfields Inc. is pleased to announce that it has now completed the purchase of a 100 percent interest in the Roberts Victor Diamond Mine (Rovic).

Control of the operations at the Rovic Mine was assumed on July 1, 1996, and Botswana Diamondfields Inc. immediately embarked on a program to improve production and productivity at the mine. The Company contracted with Metorex (Pty) Ltd. of Johannesburg to supervise the mining and recovery operations at the mine. Metorex has more than 20 years of experience in managing smaller mines in South Africa.

To reduce processing costs, have a more effective use of manpower and improve security, the Company has purchased an X-ray Sortex machine for diamond recovery. The recovered grade during the current production period (1989-1995) is 35 cpht and because of the nature of the ore body there is no significant dilution as with typical fissure mines in South Africa.

Reported quality of diamonds recovered is 40 percent gems accounting for up to 90 percent of the value. Recent average sales value approaches US$70/carat, with gems averaging $160/carat. Large stones (10 carats and over) are often encountered and recently, stones of 17 ct. and 29 ct. have been recovered. The 17 ct. stone has been valued at $6,500 per carat, while the 29 ct. stone awaits a valuation.

A two stage capital program budgeted at US$1 million to improve productivity and increase production capacity by 50 percent, to 15,000 tonnes of kimberlite per month, is underway and will be completed by September, 1997. The program includes improved underground layout with particular reference to shafts, additional mining areas in the mine and improved surface facilities.

The Rovic ore deposit has four significant features: -0-

 -- substantial ore reserves and resources,
 -- long history of consistent recoverable grade and value,
 -- the fact that about 80 percent of future tonnage is in the
    "number 3" vertical pipe with an effective area of 4500 square
    metres and
 -- the remaining ore is in a continuous fissure with average
    widths in excess of 1.5 metres.

-0-

Conservatively calculated mineable ore reserves exceed 2 million tonnes. A series of deep drill holes will be made to extend the deepest limit of present ore reserves by at least 100 metres. This should increase reserves by the one (1) million tonnes required to sustain production at 15,000 tonnes per month for a project life of 18 years. An additional four (4) million tonnes to about 600 metres below surface is anticipated.

Compared to similar sized mines operating entirely in fissure systems, the significant production from the "number 3" pipe will allow for substantially higher underground productivity, and for lower operating and capital costs. The current cost per tonne of kimberlite treated is US$17. Upon completion of the capital programs and increase in production to 15,000 tonnes per month, costs are expected to be reduced to just over US$12 per tonne in current terms.

The acquisition of the Rovic diamond mine, coupled with the new exploration projects in South Africa is transforming Botswana Diamondfields Inc. from the leading junior diamond exploration company in southern Africa, into a strong diamond mining and exploration company in the world's foremost diamond producing region. Debt free and with a treasury of some $15 million, Botswana Diamondfields Inc. has embarked upon an ambitious international exploration and acquisition program. -0-

NOTE TO EDITORS: The Vancouver Stock Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the information contained herein.

CONTACT: Botswana Diamondfields Inc.

John M. Darch, 604/682-0566 or 604/681-8003

604/662-3180 (FAX)

800/444-9284,

E-MAIL: [e-mail]

INTERNET: http://www.crewgroup.com