DIAMOND NEWS ROUNDUP — Aber announces further results from

Diamond explorer Aber Resources (TSE) has released final results from two small-diameter holes drilled last fall on its Diavik project in the Northwest Territories.

A total of 349.5 kg of kimberlite was tested from hole A154-10, yielding 305 microdiamonds and 201 macros. Of the latter, 58 were greater than 1 mm and six of these were greater than 2 mm. Four of the stones ranged in size from 0.11 to 0.84 carats.

Hole A154-11 yielded 308.2 kg of kimberlite, containing 266 micros and 119 macros. Twenty-eight of the macros were greater than 1 mm, and two of the recovered stones weighed 0.21 and 0.22 carats.

These new results conform with previous findings, indicating that micro and macro distribution is consistent throughout the A-154 pipes. Having reviewed last year’s results, Aber and partner Kennecott Canada are engaged in a large-diameter (75-mm) drill program to test the Diavik pipes. The program is designed to obtain a 90-to-150-tonne sample from the A-154 and A-21 pipes.

A delineation drilling program is also under way on the A-21 pipe, to define its shape and size. The results will help determine hole locations for the large-diameter drill program on this pipe. It is expected that up to 15 holes will be drilled in three pipes, to a depth of 200 metres.

Aber reports there are 12 other targets in the area, surrounding the A-154 pipe, and these will be tested in the next few months.

Situated near Lac de Gras, the Diavik project is a 60-40 joint venture between Kennecott and Aber.

Elsewhere in the

Northwest Territories

* Till sampling by Kennecott Canada on the so-called ATW property, also near Lac de Gras, has outlined five anomalous areas of diamond indicator minerals. One dispersion train is near kimberlite pipe TR107, where previous drilling failed to return any diamonds or appreciable indicator minerals (indicating an alternate source).

Kennecott is earning a 65% interest in the ATW property; the name is an acronym for three owners — Almaden Resources (VSE), which has a 40% stake; Troymin Resources (ASE), which holds 20%; and Williams Creek Explorations (VSE), with 40%.

Alberta

* An airborne geophysical survey over the 440,000-hectare Hinton property returned 145 anomalies, of which 30 are identified as lamproite targets. Montello Resources (ASE) is concentrating its efforts on two of these targets and, upon completion of a ground magnetics survey, expects to begin drilling early this year. A stream sediment program has returned three diamonds as well as indicator minerals of chromites and garnets.

The property is made up of land packages held by Troymin Resources, New Claymore Resources (VSE) and a private company. Montello can earn a half interest from New Claymore and 60% from Troymin.

Ontario

* Currie Rose Resources (VSE) has acquired several claim blocks south of Wawa, Ont. The properties, totalling 2,300 hectares, cover a number of kimberlite indicator mineral anomalies as well as the site where a local prospector is reported to have discovered three alluvial diamonds in the fall of 1993.

Overseas

* The first stage of a reconnaissance drill program has concluded on Diamond Fields Resources’ (TSE) 660-sq.-km sea concession near Luderitz, Namibia. The sampling was carried out by BHP Minerals and Benguela Concessions, which are earning a 50.1% interest in the project. (The latter company trades on the Johannesburg stock exchange.)

Five areas, representing 254 sq. km of different seabed geological environments, were selected for testing, based on previously identified seabed gravel deposits.

During the program, 296 widely spaced, large-diameter holes were drilled in water depths ranging from 30 to 120 metres. A total of 207 diamonds, averaging 0.31 carats in size, were recovered from four areas. Ninety per cent of the stones were gem-quality, with the largest weighing 1.57 carats. While the density of holes is insufficient for grade estimation, the results confirm the presence of diamondiferous gravels in water depths of up to 73 metres.

Based on these results, a follow-up program is under way, consisting of 600 holes in water depths of more than 30 metres. Plans also call for the diamondiferous gravels to be evaluated in water depths of fewer than 30 metres.

To earn its interest, BHP and Benguela must complete a bankable feasibility study on the Luderitz concession by August, 1996.

* United Reef (TSE) reports that the 1994 exploration program on its Bamingui diamond property in the Central African Republic (CAR) succeeded in outlining gravel resources containing 451,321 carats.

Exploration efforts to date have focused on the Bamingui River drainage, which represents only 4% of the total property area.

Sampling along the Bangoran River, 8 km north of the Bamingui, began late last year. A total of 123 sample sites were excavated over a distance of 3.2 km. The project identified a potential gravel resource of 958,800 bank cubic metres, which could contain about 200,000 carats. Additional sampling along the Bangoran will be carried out shortly, with four new areas scheduled to be tested.

Based on exploration results to date, the company has begun a prefeasibility study and is considering full-scale production on the Bamingui property. The study, to be completed during the first quarter, is expected to result in a production decision.

Meanwhile, United Reef has acquired the rights to two other alluvial diamond deposits, about 150 km south of the Bamingui property. This new permit, known as the Boungou River property, covers 412 sq. km and encompasses the Djourou and Aigbando deposits (which are being worked by artisanal miners). The Aigbando deposit yielded a 215-carat diamond in 1991, which was the largest stone ever found in the CAR.

United Reef has allowed Belore Mines (ASE) to acquire a 40% interest in the project through exploration expenditures of $250,000.