DIAMOND NEWS ROUNDUP — Trillion Resources discovers Zimbabwean kimberlite

Soil results from a property in southwestern Zimbabwe have junior Trillion Resources (TSE) thinking diamonds.

Soil sampling on the Sansukwe Exclusive Prospecting Order (EPO 790), which Trillion operates under the terms of a 50-50 joint venture with Nickelodeon Minerals (VSE), has resulted in the discovery of four areas of anomalous concentrations of kimberlite indicators.

Detailed follow-up soil sampling in one area, designated E37, revealed a kimberlite within a zone of crustal weakness intruded by a dyke swarm which extends into Botswana. Preliminary results indicate that the kimberlite comprises 2 hectares and is younger than the dolerite dykes. Overburden is less than 100 cm deep in the area.

The kimberlite is extensively weathered and characterized by more than 10 mm of altered olivine crystals and an abundance of pellatal lapilli. Although ilmenite has been recognized (suggesting a Group 1 kimberlite), no garnet or diopside has been identified in hand specimens. Overall, the structure and setting of the kimberlite are suggestive of the Orapa and Lethakane kimberlites in Botswana.

Soil results from sampling carried out near the E37 suggest the presence of at least five additional kimberlites.

Samples of kimberlite from EPO 790 are being analyzed for the presence of diamonds and indicator minerals. Concentrates from samples collected in isolated drainages nearby have returned high indicator counts. Magnetic surveying of those areas is planned.

Infrastructure consists of an adequate water supply, well-maintained (albeit unpaved) roads, and an airstrip.

Elsewhere in Africa

* The Bamingui River diamond recovery plant in the Central African Republic is complete.

United Reef (TSE) will use the plant to extract the estimated 451,321 carats of alluvial diamonds on its property.

The plant was built by Trans Hex Group of South Africa, that country’s second-largest producer of rough diamonds. It is designed to operate at a run-of-mine rate of 27 tonnes of gravel per hour, with final recovery achieved by means of an X-ray sorter.

The plant is expected to be up and running by June 15.

United Reef also has a mobile plant mounted on a flat-bed trailer which is capable of processing more than 16 tonnes of gravel per hour. It will be used to bulk-sample new areas identified by United Reef’s ongoing exploration work. To date, five drainage systems have been targeted for detailed exploration.

* Three diamonds with a total weight of nearly 1.5 carats have been recovered from stream sediments on the Zambian property of SouthernEra Resources (TSE).

The company has identified at least 10 anomalies that warrant further drill-testing for primary diamonds.

SouthernEra is also exploring for kimberlite in two areas of South Africa.

* The sale of 2,228 carats of rough diamonds recovered from the alluvial diamond operations of Hymex Diamond (VSE) has resulted in proceeds of US$305,000.

One 24.75-carat stone alone sold for US$114,905.

The company holds an 85% interest in a diamond and gold concession comprising more than 1,000 sq. km in Guinea, West Africa.

A further 1,600 carats are expected to be placed for auction in Antwerp, Belgium.

Brazil

At the Coromandel project area in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, resampling of the Quartel 1 kimberlite pipe, previously thought to be barren, recovered at least one microdiamond from a sample of less than 100 kg for South Atlantic Diamonds (VSE).

The pipe is situated within the San Antonio river valley and is associated with a magnetic anomaly that covers a 15-acre area. A program of test pitting and bulk sampling is planned.

Saskatchewan

A mini-bulk sampling program consisting of large-diameter drilling is expected to begin by mid-June on at least eight kimberlite pipes in the Fort a la Corne joint venture.

Kensington Resources (VSE) can earn a 25% interest by incurring exploration expenditures of $3.4 million over the next three years. Joint venture partners Cameco (TSE), Uranerz Exploration and Mining and Monopros will all hold equal shares.

The proceeds generated from an arranged private placement along with an interim bridge loan of $430,000 will be used to fund this year’s exploration program.

Ontario

* Consolidated Pine Channel Gold (VSE) intends to acquire three properties in Firstbrook and Bucke twps., near Haileybury.

During previous drilling, a single hole intersected the OPAP kimberlite pipe. Pine Channel plans to conduct geophysical surveys and drilling to test this and other targets.