DIAMOND PAGE — Ashton finds new kimberlite at Buffalo Hills

Drilling by Ashton Mining of Canada (ACA-T) has identified yet another kimberlite body at the Buffalo Hills project in north-central Alberta.

The discovery brings to 17 the number of kimberlites found on the property this year. Drill-testing of geophysical anomaly K91, situated 2.5 km northwest of kimberlite K14, intersected the new kimberlite beneath 14 metres of glacial overburden. Results of microdiamond analysis are expected in early December.

Ashton, the operator, can earn a 42.5% interest in the original 1.4-million-acre project from Alberta Energy (AEC-T) by spending $5 million on exploration. Pure Gold Resources (PUG-T) holds the right to a 15% interest.

Delineation drilling suggests the K14, K14B and K14C kimberlites represent separate phases of a single irregular and complex body that measures 400 by 400 metres on surface.

Ten core holes, drilled into K14B and K14C, returned intervals of kimberlite measuring between 26 and 102 metres long. The holes all bottomed in mudstone.

According to Ashton, the drilling shows that an extensive, thick apron of tuffisitic crater facies kimberlite extends north and east of K14. Vertical dimensions at the edge of the body are variable, whereas the central portions are open at depth. Previous drilling in the central phase of K14 confirmed the kimberlite to a depth of 200 metres.

Initial results from a mini-bulk sample of K14 are expected before December.