Ashton Mining of Canada (ACA-T) has begun a winter field program on the Kikerk Lake property in the north Slave Craton region of Nunavut.
The program includes the collection of a mini-bulk sample from the diamondiferous Potentilla kimberlite and the identification of new targets for drilling.
Potentilla was discovered in September 2001. The discovery hole, which tested the centre of a magnetic anomaly, cut kimberlite breccia diatreme beneath 9.9 metres of overburden to a depth of 142.3 metres. The hole was shut down while still in hypabyssal kimberlite at a depth of 184.7 metres.
In October, a 207.8-kg sample returned 230 microdiamonds and 22 macrodiamonds. The largest stone measured 2.13 by 1.94 by 0.87 mm.
Samples of the diatreme phase weighing 129.1 kg returned 160 micros and 15 macros. Seven of the macros exceeded 0.5 mm in two dimensions, with the largest stone measuring 2.13 by 1.94 by 0.87 mm. The deeper hypabyssal phase returned 70 micros and seven macros from 78.7 kg of core. Three of the macros were greater than 0.5 mm in two dimensions, with the biggest stone measuring 0.8 by 0.52 by 0.39 mm.
The current program will aim to collect a mini-bulk sample of up to 10 tonnes from Potentilla, and define the shape and size of the body by delineation drilling and geophysical surveying.
The property is also host to at least one unexplained indicator mineral train. A detailed helicopter-borne magnetic and electromagnetic survey is ongoing over an area including the mineral train and Potentilla. Ground geophysical surveying will follow up on any anomalies identified and drilling will target any high priority targets before spring break-up.
Ashton and Caledonia Mining (CAL-T) each hold a 35% interest in the property. Ashton can boost its interest to 52.5% by spending $750,000 on exploration by May 31, 2003. Ashton can further increase it stake to 59.5% by carrying Caledonia through to the completion of a feasibility study. The Northair Group’s Northern Empire Minerals (NEM-V) retains a 30% working interest.
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