DIAMOND NEWS ROUNDUP — Trillion uncovers more kimberlites

A recent discovery brings to six the number of kimberlites found on the Sansukwe property in Zimbabwe.

The dyke, found by 50% owner Trillion Resources (TSE), is one of several discovered thus far in a cluster 15 km west of the Mambali-1 kimberlite pipe. An additional two sites have been found to contain kimberlite indicator minerals. Prospecting and test pitting of 25 soil-indicated targets are in progress.

Trillion has decided to bulk-test near-surface material for macrodiamonds. About 600 tonnes of kimberlite have been excavated for testing from Mambali-1, and 100 tonnes are being excavated from each of the dykes. A bulk-sampling plant will be mobilized to the area to process the samples, beginning in early 1996. The number of field crews will be increased in the new year, from one to three.

Nickelodeon Minerals (VSE) has earned a half interest in the property by funding the initial exploration. The rest of the work will be managed by Trillion.

Northwest Territories

Two core holes have been drilled on the Back Lake project in the Northwest Territories, one of which intersected two narrow kimberlite dykes.

SouthernEra Resources (TSE), owner of 70% of the project, reports that the dykes do not appear to be similar to kimberlite fragments found in till samples on the property, indicating that the main kimberlite source has yet to be found. Ice conditions did not permit access to other targets in the area, and drilling has been suspended until the new year.

Indicator mineral sample information is being compiled, which will provide a comprehensive database to guide additional winter geophysics and drilling.

The Back Lake project is a joint venture with Kalahari Resources (VSE).

* Pinewood Resources (VSE) intends to acquire a 75% interest from Delgratia Mining (VSE) in five claims covering 5,200 hectares near Lac de Gras.

The agreement calls for a cash payment of $50,000, together with 100,000 common shares. Pinewood also acquires a right of first refusal to buy Delgratia’s remaining 25% interest.

Saskatchewan

Kensington Resources (VSE) has commissioned a study to determine the capital and operating costs of developing a typical kimberlite body at the Fort a la Corne diamond project.

Meanwhile, the company has received most of the results from a 162-tonne, mini-bulk sample taken in 1995. The bulk sample was processed for macrodiamonds at De Beers’ treatment plant in South Africa, and the results will be released shortly.

The project is a joint venture between Kensington and partners Uranerz Exploration & Mining, Monopros and Cameco (TSE). Once Kensington has spent $3.4 million over three years, each company will hold a 25% interest.

Ontario

* An autumn drilling program by Currie Rose Resources (VSE) failed to intersect any kimberlite at its claims near Wawa, Ont.

Five holes, consisting of 3,000 ft., tested four geophysical targets.

However, Currie Rose reports its geologists identified four parallel 20-inch dykes over a width of 87 ft.

Surface rock samples appear to contain minerals of similar composition to those that occur in kimberlites. The company is proceeding with further analysis.