Mining News: Northern Neighbors: Chidliak kimberlite produces large diamonds

Peregrine Diamonds Ltd. Jan. 12 reported that an 814-metric-ton bulk sample from the CH-7 kimberlite pipe at the Chidliak diamond project in Nunavut returned an overall grade of 0.88 carats of diamonds per metric ton. A total of 717.65 carats of commercial-size diamonds were recovered, including 53 diamonds larger than one carat and 183 diamonds over a half carat in size. The largest gem quality diamond recovered was 5.33 carats. Other notable diamonds include: a 5.02 carat off-white transparent octahedron with minor inclusions; a 2.01 carat white-colorless, transparent octahedron with no inclusions; and two yellow transparent octahedra, one at 0.52 carat, the other at one-half carat. Significant diamond breakage was observed, including a gem-quality diamond that may have originally been larger than six carats. A substantial portion of the parcel is gem-quality diamonds and a population of colored stones is present. Processing of the bulk sample was performed by the Saskatchewan Research Council. The 717.65-carat parcel is being shipped to Antwerp, Belgium, for an independent diamond valuation by WWW International Diamond Consultants Ltd.

- Shane Lalsey