Kopane Diamonds said on Wednesday it is in early talks with an unnamed company which may lead to a takeover bid being made. The company was studying its Liqhobong kimberlite deposit in South Africa and talking about a joint venture in Lesotho but the negotiations halted the plans. Kopane's shares at the London Stock Exchange jumped as much as 28% on the news, but the British miner said discussions "are at a preliminary stage" and it is not certain that an offer will be made or the terms of the possible bid.