Mink finds pipe in West Africa

Follow-up test-pitting on a geophysical anomaly at the Kenieba concession in Mali, West Africa, has confirmed the presence of a kimberlite pipe.

Mink Mineral Resources (VSE), which holds a 49% interest in the joint venture, reports that the discovery increases to 22 the number of pipes identified at the property. Australian-based Ashton Mining is the concession’s operator and holds the remaining 51% interest.

A ground-based magnetometer survey suggests the newly discovered pipe has an areal extent of 40 hectares, and work is under way to determine its diamond content.

The joint venture has completed an initial stream-sediment sampling program over a 100-by-40-km area and collected 150 samples weighing 40 kg each. The partners are working to locate the source of previously recovered diamonds and indicator minerals. Meanwhile, a drilling contract is expected to be awarded shortly for an initial 1,000 metres. Ashton has assigned priority to four pipes.