(Alliance News) - Karelian Diamond Resources PLC on Monday said it is set to begin exploration programmes in both Finland and Ireland.

The Dublin-based exploration company said diamond exploration is planned for the Kuhmo region in Finland, while an exploration programme for nickel, copper and platinum is set for Northern Ireland.

The company said a systematic drilling and excavation programme has been planned for kimberlite targets in Finland in the coming months, in order to test the areas for the presence of diamonds, following on from drilling in previous years.

Karelian said the exploration will be undertaken at the same time as its initial work on its Lahtojoki project.

Meanwhile, in Ireland, the firm said stream sediment sampling for nickel-copper-platinum indicator minerals on its newly acquired licenses is sent to begin shortly.

Last year, indicator minerals were identified at its KDR-1 licence, resulting in the company's application for two additional licenses, which were granted in October.

Chair Richard Conroy said: "I am delighted that both these exciting exploration programmes are planned to commence shortly and we look forward to seeing the results as they come in.

"The work, in both cases, will give us additional information and in relation to Finland could include the discovery of diamonds in one or more of the kimberlite targets. I also look forward very much to work being initiated at Lahtojoki, particularly in relation to the highly sought after and valued pink diamonds."

Karelian shares rose 8.8% to 3.05 pence each in London on Monday morning.

By Harvey Dorset, Alliance News reporter

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