Mining News: Northern Neighbors: Initial sampling of Muskox kimberlite shows potential

Crystal Exploration Inc. March 3 reported initial diamond recoveries from three holes drilled at its Muskox kimberlite in Nunavut. Three samples – 2,220, 2,159 and 2,084 metric tons – were submitted Saskatchewan Research Council for diamond processing. Recoveries from the samples include 14, 17 and 47, resulting in 0.29, 0.31 and 1.13 carats per metric ton for each respective sample. The largest diamonds recovered were 0.365, 0.282 and 0.253 carats. The diamonds are described as off-white, transparent with no to minor inclusions. Some of the diamonds recovered were not fully liberated from either kimberlite or mantle xenoliths. Crystal said this discovery of diamonds discarded with the oversize could explain why historical bulk sampling never met the expectations of grade prediction modelling. “The initial batch of diamond results illustrates the great potential within the Muskox Pipe from a small 2,083 (metric ton) sample grading 1.13 (carats per metric ton),” said Crystal Exploration President and CEO Jim Greig. “Even though these results are from a relatively small sample, they confirm that the Muskox kimberlite is still not understood with respect to diamond grade and optimum processing techniques.” The results from three additional holes drilled during this program are expected during the second quarter of this year.

–Shane Lasley