A geological mapping programme is set to be carried out in KwaHlathi in KwaZulu-Natal to determine if there are any potential resources that may assist it in improving its socio-economic situation.

It comes after a supposed diamond rush in the village near Ladysmith.

The Mineral Resources Department has concluded that the stones discovered are quartz. These are crystals which it says are common across the Karoo Supergroup with extensional fracture planes within and along the contact of Karoo dolerite sill.

The department further notes that the value, if any, of the quartz crystals has yet to be established. But it adds that the value is very low compared to that of diamonds.

[Picture: Wikipedia]