Guigues Twp. pipe yields macro diamond for KWG

Montreal-based KWG Resources (ME) has recovered a small macrodiamond from its kimberlite pipe in Guigues Twp., near Notre-Dame-du-Nord, Que.

The colorless diamond, measuring 2x1x0.5 mm, was extracted from a 23-tonne sample of hypabyssal kimberlite taken from the northern lobe of the 2-phase pipe. The sample also contains indicator minerals including pyrope garnets, chrome diopsides and chrome garnets.

KWG holds a 70% interest in the property under a joint venture with Strike Minerals (CDN). The pipe was previously tested by Monopros.

A 110-tonne bulk sample from the nearby C-14 pipe in Clifford Twp. Ont., also part of KWG’s “Spider #2” project, is being processed at Lakefield Research. KWG is earning an interest in the C-14 from Regal Goldfields (CDN). Meanwhile, the Montreal junior plans to launch a separate drill program as part of its “Spider #1” project in the James Bay Lowlands of Ontario. The first phase will consist of at least 14 holes on 14 separate targets. Back in the Kirkland Lake area, Goldhunter Explorations (ASE) has been granted a 2-month extension on the first of four $250,000 payments to be made under an option to earn an interest in the A-4 kimberlite.

Goldhunter, which recently staked 8,000 acres near KWG’s Guigues Twp. pipe, has also terminated previously announced joint-venture agreements with Strike and Sharpe Energy & Resources (VSE) on two nearby properties. Also active in the area, Gwen Resources (ASE) has moved a drill to a 30-acre geophysical (magnetic low) target, thought to have kimberlite potential. In other diamond developments in Canada and around the globe: N.W.T.

— Recent staking by partners Aur Resources (TSE), Thunderwood Resources (TSE) and Consolidated Abitibi Resources (ME) has increased to 550,000 acres the joint venture’s landholdings in the McConnell diamond project northwest of Yellowknife. A $1-million program will drill-test several magnetic targets with related indicator minerals, including high ratios of G-10 garnets. One of these targets, the 8-north area, yielded more than 350 pyrope garnets from 50 till samples. One sample yielded nine G-10 garnets.

— A partnership consisting of Cyclone Capital (VSE), Windarra Minerals (TSE), Westward Explorations (VSE), Breckenbridge Resources (VSE), Westpine Metals (VSE) and Alpine Exploration (VSE) will finance a 30,000-line-km airborne survey over its Somerset Island properties.

A $1.3-million summer program will consist of sampling on the 36 known kimberlites, alluvial sampling for additional targets, ground magnetometer surveys, geological mapping and, finally, drilling.

— Partial proceeds of a $500,000 private placement will be used to delineate massive sulphide targets and further evaluate 11 kimberlite targets on the Hackett River property, reports Etruscan Enterprises (VSE).

— Pure Gold Resources (TSE) has launched a 5,000-line-km airborne survey over the Humpy Lake, Winter Lake and Jolly Lake area where previous ground sampling returned encouraging indicator minerals.

By taking a 20-ton sample from specific targets, Ashton Mining of Australia can earn a 50% interest in any kimberlite found on the properties. Fuel, supplies and drill equipment owned by Pure Gold are being shipped into a camp near Courageous Lake in preparation for a $1.3-million spring and summer program.

An Ashton technician will analyze concentrated samples for indicator mineral content at a field laboratory being established at Courageous Lake. The samples will then be shipped to Perth, Australia, for detailed analysis. A number of juniors, including Winslow Gold (VSE) and Island-Arc Resources (VSE), share the properties with Pure Gold under separate agreements. — A detailed aeromagnetic survey is to begin this month on 48,000 acres held by Geomaque Explorations (CDN) in the Healey Lake area. The survey will be followed by heavy mineral sampling and diamond drilling.

— A 3,000-metre program is under way on the Crystal property of Tyler Resources (TSE). The program is to test up to 16 geophysical targets. Saskatchewan

Partners Moragin Minerals (VSE) and Orcana Resources (VSE) have staked 40 claim blocks covering aeromagnetic anomalies in the Molanosa Arch area, 40 miles north of the Fort a la Corne diamond area.

Overseas

— The first three pits completed on the Bamingui-Bangoran project in the Central African Republic all contained gem quality diamonds, reports United Reef Petroleums (TSE). Pit 93-1 contained one 0.24 carat stone while pits 93-2 and 93-3 returned three stones each.

The pits are being excavated by ten 7-man teams at intervals of 150 metres. United expects a resource of about 375,000 cubic metres to be outlined within a 1-sq.-km area.

— Nora Exploration (ME) has applied for a 41.6-sq.-km gold and diamond concession straddling the Birim River in Ghana. The area is 90 km northwest of Accra, the capital, and is accessible by road.

To finance exploration, including pitting and bulk-sampling, Nora has negotiated a private placement of 300,000 common shares, at 50 cents per share, for proceeds of $150,000. Each common share is accompanied by a warrant to purchase an additional share at 65 cents for 18 months. Previous exploration on the north portion of the concession outlined an alluvial placer deposit estimated to be 560,000 cubic metres grading 0.92 carats diamonds and 0.62 grams gold per cubic metre.

Nora will pay a finders fee consisting of shares, cash and royalties to two separate companies for the property. The government of Ghana will retain a 10% non-contributing interest.