LETTERS TO THE EDITOR — Diamond exploration scene could use

The recent convention, in Toronto, of the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada was an example of what these gatherings are all about: exchanging ideas, dealing on properties and renewing old acquaintances.

A talk by Roger Clement of the Anglo-American/De Beers group heralded a significant change in attitudes towards diamond prospecting. The talk on diamond content in Kimberlite exposed some of the problems involved in evaluating a potential diamond mine. The fact that this organization decided to share its considerable knowledge with its fellow explorers represents a first for what has traditionally been a secretive industry.

This sharing of information, long a tradition on the Canadian mining scene, was lacking in the first phase of the diamond rush (now behind us, the bubble having burst on Aug. 4, 1994).

The initial disappointments and extremely rough handling of investors by market forces resulted in the media and investors shifting their focus to more traditional fields. The fact that good diamond mines are rare is now clear to most, and yet a diamond operation is still seen as the “creme de la creme” of mines, as well as the most risky for the investor. The second phase is under way; obscure anomalies, no anomalies, indicator trains and hunches are all being examined. What is needed is a “hit” to enable the diamond prospector to refinance and, armed with greater knowledge, get out on the land.

George Stewart

Greenwich, B.C.