LETTERS TO THE EDITOR — Comparison not justified

In a recent article (T.N.M., Feb. 15/93) concerning the initial results obtained from the Outlet Bay diatreme, a comparison was made between the discovery of a microdiamond from this location and the analysis of drill core from Dia Met’s Point Lake diatreme.

This comparison between large grab samples gathered at four sites in a partly exposed diatreme and core samples (from diamond drilling) of a similar weight is not justified. Would anyone be justified in comparing grab samples with drill core on a gold project?

In comparing the discovery at Dubawnt Lake with Lac de Gras, one must bear in mind that, prior to drilling, the only indication of the presence of diamonds was indicator-mineral material in surficial samples along the lakeshore adjacent to a geophysical target thought to be a kimberlite. At Dubawnt Lake, we have found both indicator minerals and a microdiamond from exposures of a diatreme. Thus, at the same stage of exploration, the results from the Outlet Bay pipe appear significant.

James Davis

President, Leeward Capital Corp.

Calgary