New results add more sparkle to Diavik diamond play in N.W.T.

Partners Kennecott Canada and Aber Resources (ABZ-T) continue to generate enthusiasm at their Diavik diamond project near Lac de Gras in the Northwest Territories.

The final processing of a total 2,585 tonnes of underground sample from the A-154 South pipe yielded 11,739 carats, giving a grade of 4.54 carats per tonne.

The project is owned 60-40 by Kennecott and Aber, respectively.

To date, 7,210.1 carats recovered from 1,633 tonnes of sample have been valued at an average US$56.10 per carat. The valuation was conducted by CRA Diamonds of Perth, Western Australia, and, as a check, the joint-venture partners have sought an independent valuation on 2,500 carats in Antwerp, Belgium.

Based on the carat valuation to date, the A-154 South pipe is valued at US$255 per tonne. The pipe contains a drill-inferred resource of 8.4 million tonnes to a depth of 250 metres, with potential for hosting 20 million tonnes to a depth of 650 metres.

A preliminary valuation of diamonds recovered from the A-154 North pipe, which sits just 250 metres from the A-154 South, was also completed. A previous, large-diameter drill program yielded 156.81 carats from 71.72 tonnes of sample for an average grade of 2.19 carats per tonne. The diamonds are valued at US$35.30 per carat.

The A-154 North pipe hosts an estimated 5.3 million tonnes to a depth of 250 metres, with potential for hosting 15 million tonnes to a depth of 650 metres.

Meanwhile, a 3,000-tonne, underground bulk sample of the A-418 pipe, 750 metres southwest of A-154 South, has been stockpiled and awaits transport, via winter ice road, to Kennecott’s diamond recovery plant in Yellowknife.

Previous drilling recovered 247.5 carats from 62.31 tonnes for an average grade of 4.02 carats per tonne valued at US$64.10 per carat.

The A-418 pipe contains a resource of 5.8 million tonnes to a 250-metre depth, with potential for hosting 15-20 million tonnes to a 650-metre depth.

Deep delineation drilling on the pipe is under way.