Diamondex tests Carat kimberlite

Kimberlite samples from drilling by Diamondex Resources (DSP-V) on the Carat property in the Northwest Territories have been submitted to Lakefield Research for microdiamond analysis.

The samples were from the CT 55 kimberlite pipe, which was discovered earlier this spring, 20 km northeast of Ekati’s Sable pipe. Difficult drilling conditions forced Diamondex to abandon the first two discovery holes in crater facies kimberlite at a depth of about 20-30 metres. No microdiamond analysis was done on the first two holes, owing to poor recovery.

Diamondex returned to the Carat property this summer to carry out till sampling, ground geophysical surveys and follow-up drilling. The CT 55 has a negative magnetic signature and consists of two lobes measuring 200 metres across by 100 metres in a north-south direction. A third negative anomaly, spanning 50 by 50 metres, adjoins the main CT 55 anomaly to the north.

Diamondex tested the eastern lobe of the main anomaly with two additional holes. One was angled at minus 45 and intersected crater facies kimberlite from 89 to 164 metres down-hole before stopping short. A second, vertical hole was collared in the centre of the eastern lobe, cutting crater facies kimberlite from a depth of 25-80 metres before shutting down as a result of difficult drilling conditions. Four different zones or phases were identified in the crater facies, adding to the problems with drilling. In total, 175 kg of kimberlite material have been sent for caustic fusion analysis. Chemical analysis of chromite grains indicates that the CT 55 kimberlite has passed through the diamond stability field.

Diamondex is considering bringing in a reverse-circulation rig for the next phase of drilling.

The Carat property is held 70-30 by Diamondex and Tyler Resources (TYS-V).