THE DIAMOND PAGE — Ashton Mining drills kimberlite body near

Three holes drilled by Ashton Mining of Canada (TSE) intersected kimberlite breccia at the Cross property in the Humpy Lake region, 100 km west of Lac de Gras, N.W.T.

Samples were submitted for laboratory analysis and results are expected in several weeks. In the meantime, drilling is continuing to test the kimberlite body from a lake on the Cross property.

Ashton can earn a 51% interest in the property from joint venture partners Tenajon Resources (VSE) and Pure Gold Resources (TSE). Ashton President David Hurburgh said it is not possible to attach any economic significance to the discovery at this early stage. But he did point out that it represents the first confirmed kimberlite find outside the “Corridor of Hope” (a reference to the dyke swarm corridors which are believed to be related to kimberlite discoveries near Lac de Gras).

Hurburgh said ongoing drilling will provide more information as to the dimensions of the kimberlite body on the Cross property. The discovery hole (45 angled drilling) intersected kimberlite breccia from 376 to 592 ft. Speculation is that this may represent the crater facies of a kimberlite body. Elsewhere in the Territories

* Two junior companies are planning to merge their respective 11.75% interests in the Tli Kwo Cho (DO-27) kimberlite being tested by Kennecott Canada. Dentonia Resources (VSE) and Horseshoe Gold Mining (ASE) have signed a letter of intent to negotiate a merger. This development was announced after Aber Resources (TSE) released details of its plans to acquire all of Dentonia’s outstanding shares.

Saskatchewan/Manitoba

Joint-venture partners War Eagle Mining (VSE) and Great Western Gold (VSE) reported more results from their Candle Lake joint venture near Fort a la Corne, Sask. A 38-kg sample from Pipe 29 contained 16 diamonds, but just two of them are macrodiamonds (more than 0.5 mm in diameter). A previously reported 5.6-kg sample from this kimberlite body contained one clear white macrodiamond splinter. More results from drilling on the Candle Lake project are expected shortly.

* An airborne magnetic survey is under way in the same region on properties belonging to Aaron Oil (ASE) and Rhonda Mining (ASE). Once the results are interpreted, ground geophysical surveys and drilling will begin. * Rhonda reports that drilling has resumed on its Fort a la Corne holdings. Ten airborne magnetic targets will be tested, beginning with a target near Candle Lake.

* Two junior companies — Mill City Gold (VSE) and Rhonda Mining (ASE) — have applied for claims totaling one million hectares in southeast Manitoba. The lands extend from Winnipeg, east to the Ontario border, and south to the U.S. border. The claims are reported to have potential for kimberlites, copper-zinc-gold-silver massive sulphide deposits and gold deposits. * An aeromagnetic survey has been carried out on a 40,470-hectare property northeast of Snow Lake, Man. Joint owners Lucky Break Gold (VSE) and Savanna Resources (ASE) say a preliminary interpretation indicates that several circular anomalies are present.

* Kensington Resources (VSE) has drilled six holes at its Montreal Lake property in the Molanosa Arch area of Saskatchewan. Possible kimberlite samples have been sent to the Saskatchewan Research Council for petrographic study and heavy mineral analysis.

The company also reports that an 8-to-10-hole program is about to begin testing aeromagnetic targets in the Whiteswan and Candle Lake areas of Saskatchewan.

Ontario and Quebec

* Explorations Minieres du Nord (ME) has completed drilling to test magnetic anomalies in Le Tac and Le Sueur twps. in Quebec. Small amounts of “kimberlitic lamprophyre” were encountered in two of the seven holes. Hole B-1-94 contained two kimberlite dykes, 38 cm and 46 cm in width. Hole C-1-94 intersected four kimberlite dykes ranging in thickness from 0.91 to 1.61 metres.

These discoveries are about 2 km east of the discovery by Resources Unifiees Ojibway (ME) late last year.

In other news, Monopros has withdrawn from the joint venture with Soquem and Minieres du Nord on the Le Tac Ouest property.