Arctic Star: 111 Diamonds in 48.65kg of Kimberlite Core Sample in Finland
Arctic Star: 111 Diamonds in 48.65kg of Kimberlite Core Sample in Finland
Momentum Public Relations
Press Release: July 26, 2017
Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – July 26, 2017) – Arctic Star Exploration Corp. (TSXV: ADD) (FSE: 82A1) (WKN: A2DFY5) (“Arctic Star” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that the Company has received more diamond results from the White Wolf kimberlite in Finland.
The Finnish Geological survey (GTK) has a policy of storing core from exploration and the Company was fortunate to learn that much of the core from the past drilling was available at the GTK core storage facility at Loppi, north of Helsinki. Roy Spencer, Arctic Star director was given access to the core, which was reviewed, in part re-logged and then sampled. Permission to take 48.65kg of split core for further caustic fusion analysis was given, and the samples were sent to the Saskatchewan Research Council laboratory in Saskatoon. The drill core was of NQ size and was split by core splitter, and the results are as follows.
Table 1: Micro-diamond assay results for diamond drill core recently sampled by Arctic Star, White Wolf kimberlite.
Kimberlite | Sample Weight Kg | +0.106 mm |
+0.15 mm |
+0.212 mm |
+0.3 mm |
+0.425 mm |
+.60 mm |
+.85 mm |
+1.18 mm |
Total Stones |
White Wolf | 48.65 | 47 | 35 | 11 | 11 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 111 |
These results represent approximately 52.7m of core.
The results of the earlier due diligence surface sampling undertaken by Arctic Star are reported in table 2. In this case the samples were sent to the Microlithics Laboratory in Thunder Bay for caustic fusion analysis. These results are as follows.
Table 2: Micro-diamond assay results for the Arctic Star surface samples reported previously, White Wolf kimberlite.
Kimberlite | Sample Weight Kg | +0.106 mm |
+0.15 mm |
+0.212 mm |
+0.3 mm |
+0.425 mm |
+.60 mm |
Total Stones |
White Wolf | 18.9 | 23 | 16 | 13 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 58 |
Table 3: Total Micro-diamond assay results for the White Wolf kimberlite table 1 plus table 2.
Kimberlite | Sample Weight Kg | +0.106 mm |
+0.15 mm |
+0.212 mm |
+0.3 mm |
+0.425 mm |
+.60 mm |
+.85 mm |
+1.18 mm |
Total Stones |
White Wolf | 67.55 | 70 | 61 | 24 | 15 | 3 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 169 |
- Microlithics Laboratories Inc., of Thunder Bay, ON (“Microlithics”) is independent of the issuer, and is not ISO accredited. Kevin Kivi, P.Geo. has audited Microlithics to verify sample preparation and analytical methods for diamond recovery were appropriate.
- SRC of Saskatoon, SK is independent of the Issuer and is ISO accredited.
- There was a chain of custody in use for these samples, supervised by GTK.
- Diamonds results reported using CIM guidelines.
Microdiamonds can be used as a predictive guide to diamond grade by constructing graphs of size (Carats or mm) versus frequency (number of stones). The majority of diamondiferous kimberlites around the world show an exponential relationship between the number of small diamonds and large diamonds and the goal at this stage of evaluation is to gather enough caustic fusion sample to construct a smooth distribution through the sieve sizes shown in the above tables. The next step will be to commence a drill program to collect more Caustic fusion samples, and delineate the size and shape of the kimberlites. This program would commence on the completion of ground geophysical surveys designed to help plan this drill program.
About Arctic Star: Arctic Star is an experienced diamond and mineral exploration company, with diamond exploration properties in Nunavut (Stein), the NWT (Diagras and Redemption) and in the Athabasca Basin of SK. The Company has been planning and de-risking its entry to Finland over the last year, and is pleased to present what it believes is the pre-eminent new field opportunity to shareholders in the Timantti Project.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF
ARCTIC STAR EXPLORATION CORP.
“Patrick Power”
Patrick Power, President
+1 (604) 689-1799
Qualified Persons: The content of this news release has been read and approved by Roy Spencer, FAusIMM, a Director of the Company who is the qualified person for this news release.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Forward-Looking Statements: Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements in this press release include that the Timantti Project offers high potential for numerous further diamond-bearing kimberlite discoveries; Arctic’s drilling and surveying plans and the expected outcome of those plans; that Arctic can swiftly discover more kimberlite on the property; that the Wolf kimberlites themselves may have the potential to be economic; that the transaction will receive TSX approval and will close; the statements that Mr. Spencer will be a strong addition to the ADD discovery team, that the Exploration Reservations contiguous with the acquired claim package would be able to be explored.
Such forward-looking statements and information are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statement. Specific risks included that we may not be able to finance our intended acquisition or intended exploration and we may not obtain regulatory approval for the transaction.
The Wolf kimberlite assets have not been the subject of any recent resource work, much less a feasibility study and as such there is no certainty that any future resource will be defined or be able to produce a commercially marketable product. There is a significant risk that any future efforts at the project will not demonstrate any merit for work to evaluate for a defined NI 43-101 compliant resource and economic study. General risks inherent in the Project include the reliance on available data and assumptions and judgments used in the interpretation of such data, the speculative and uncertain nature of exploration and development, exploration and development costs, capital requirements and the ability to obtain financing, volatility of global and local economic climates, possible political instability, share price volatility, estimate price volatility, changes in equity markets, increases in costs, exchange rate fluctuations and other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry. There can be no assurance that a forward-looking statement or information referenced herein will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements or information. Also, many of the factors are beyond our control. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. We undertake no obligation to reissue or update any forward-looking statements or information except as required by law.
- Published in Arctic Star Exploration, Mining, News Home
Arctic Star begins drill program at Cap property
Arctic Star begins drill program at Cap property
Momentum Public Relations
Press Release: July 18, 2017
2017-07-18 16:21 ET – News Release
Mr. Patrick Power reports
ARCTIC STAR COMMENCES DRILL PROGRAM AT THE CAP PROPERTY, BC
Field crews have mobilized to Arctic Star Exploration Corp.’s wholly owned Cap property, located approximately 80 kilometres northwest of Prince George, B.C.
The summer exploration program will include approximately three drill holes for an estimated maximum of 1,000 metres, with the objective of testing coincident geochemical and geophysical anomalies, which are interpreted to indicate the presence of carbonatite.
About the Cap property
The Cap property is situated within the central parts of the Rocky Mountain rare metal belt and encompasses six claims (one recently acquired) totalling 2,825 hectares (6,980 acres). Approximately 50 kilometres to the northeast of the property sits the Wicheeda alkaline and carbonatite complex, which was drill tested from 2008 to 2011 and returned significant rare earth element (REE) mineralization over wide intervals.
The Cap property was originally staked in 2010 to cover an approximately three-to-five-kilometre-diameter circular airborne magnetic anomaly, which is interpreted to represent a carbonatite (or similar intrusion) at dept. The nearby Wicheeda carbonatite is manifested by a similarly distinct magnetic high.
Highlights from Spectrum Mining Corp. at Wicheeda from 2008 to 2009 included:
- 2008-02: 3.55 per cent REE across 48.64 metres;
- 2009-07: 2.92 per cent REE across 72 metres;
- 2009-09: 2.2 per cent REE across 144 metres.
Highlights from Canadian International Minerals Inc. at Wicheeda from 2010 to 2011 included:
- CA-10-006: 1.43 per cent TREO (total rare earth oxides) across 37.3 metres;
- CA-11-014: 0.226 per cent Nb2O5 (niobium pentoxide) across 37.6 metres.
Management cautions that past results or discoveries on adjacent properties (such as Wicheeda) may not necessarily be indicative to the presence of mineralization on the company’s properties.
A brief field examination at the Cap property during September, 2010, identified two narrow syenite dikes near the central and most prominent magnetic anomaly on the property. The dikes contained highly anomalous geochemistry, including sample 75479 with 0.14 per cent Nb2O5, 3,191 parts per million zirconium and 547 parts per million TREE (total rare earth elements). These high-level dikes indicate that the source of the magnetic anomaly may be associated with a carbonatite or similar intrusion nearby. Poor outcrop exposure in the immediate area of the magnetic high has prevented the true identification of the anomaly.
In 2011, the company conducted a high-resolution airborne magnetic and radiometric survey of the property. The survey resolved the geometry of the large magnetic anomaly that was identified from the regional data. Follow-up groundwork at the northwestern edge of the property late in the season identified sample 79831, containing 0.27 per cent Nb2O5 and 773 parts per million TREE. Preliminary mineralogical work in 2013 indicates the niobium-bearing sample is a syenite rock, and that pyrochlore is the only niobium-bearing mineral present.
Recently, a single contiguous claim was staked to cover a newly discovered rare metal occurrence that includes a thin fenite dike, which is typically indicative of proximity to a larger alkaline intrusive body such as a carbonatite. Two historical samples by its previous operator, Bolero Resources, returned strongly anomalous values of rare earth elements (0.13 and 0.1 per cent REE).
A map of the Cap property outlining the geophysical anomalies and historical sampling can be found on Arctic Star’s website under the projects section.
The company retains the property for its potential to host rare metal deposits (niobium and tantalum) and/or rare earth elements, which are commonly associated with carbonatites. These commodities have undergone a dramatic shift in demand, owing in part to their usage in the green energy sector, which includes modern wind turbines, rechargeable batteries, catalytic convertors and more.
Geologically, the Cap property has similar potential to the known carbonatite complexes worldwide. Carbonatite-related deposits are a major host for rare metals, such as niobium and tantalum, and rare earth elements. The world’s largest niobium mine, Araxa in Brazil, and several of the world’s largest rare earth element deposits, including Lynas Corp.’s Mount Weld deposit in Australia and the Mountain Pass deposit in the United States, are all hosted by carbonatites.
Darren L. Smith, MSc, PGeol, Dahrouge Geological Consulting Ltd., a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, supervised the preparation of the technical information in this news release.
© 2017 Canjex Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.
Source (Stockwatch)
- Published in Arctic Star Exploration, Mining, News Home
Arctic Star Confirms Diamonds in a New Kimberlite Field, Finland
Arctic Star Confirms Diamonds in a New Kimberlite Field, Finland
Momentum Public Relations
Press Release: July 12, 2017
“Arctic Star views this new Project as a unique opportunity to advance a new diamond district“, says Buddy Doyle, VP Exploration of Arctic Star. “The 100{92d3d6fd85a76c012ea375328005e518e768e12ace6b1722b71965c2a02ea7ce}-owned Project offers diamond bearing kimberlites that allow for immediate further work to assess their economic potential. The Project is road accessible, and located on excellent infrastructure in mining friendly Finland.“
Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – July 12, 2017) – Arctic Star Exploration Corp. (TSXV: ADD) (FSE: 82A1) (WKN: A2DFY5) (“Arctic Star” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that it has agreed to acquire a 100{92d3d6fd85a76c012ea375328005e518e768e12ace6b1722b71965c2a02ea7ce} interest in a 243Ha Exploration Permit over the Black Wolf (Masta Susi) and the White Wolf (Valkoinen Susi) diamond bearing kimberlites (together the “Wolf kimberlites”) in northern Finland. The Exploration Permit is being acquired via a Share Exchange Agreement with the Finnish holding company (transaction details below).
Furthermore, the Company has filed application for an Exploration Reservation centered on the acquired Exploration Permit. The Reservation is approximately 95,700 hectares in size, and it provides Arctic Star with exclusive rights to acquire additional exploration permits for a 2 year period.
The combined regional exploration and diamondiferous kimberlite property has been named the Timantti Project (Timantti is Finnish for “diamond”).
Mr. Roy Spencer, who discovered the Wolf kimberlites also led the team that discovered the Grib Diamond Mine near Archangelsk, Russian Federation, has joined Arctic Star’s Board. “Kimberlites are likely to occur in fields – also known as clusters – which typically contain 30 or more separate kimberlites. The Wolf kimberlites are just the first discoveries in a more extensive cluster,” according to Roy Spencer. Roy continues: “There is good evidence for the existence of this field in the public domain. This data shows regional distribution of kimberlitic indicator minerals and diamonds in surficial tills. The Exploration Reservation will allow Arctic Star to explore the entire region”.
A 43-101 technical report titled, “Geological Report on the Foriet Diamond Property, Finland” authored by Kevin R. Kivi, P.Geo, of KIVI Geoscience Inc. has been filed by the Company on SEDAR. The author confirmed the diamond-bearing nature of the Wolf kimberlites by submitting samples collected from kimberlite float in overburden during a due diligence site visit. Microdiamond results are shown in Table 1.
Table 1: Micro-diamond assay results for the Arctic Star due diligence surface float samples, White Wolf kimberlite.
Kimberlite | Sample Weight Kg |
+0.106 mm |
+0.15 mm |
+0.212 mm |
+0.3 mm |
+0.425 mm |
+.60 mm |
Total Stones |
White Wolf | 18.9 | 23 | 16 | 13 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 58 |
Microlithics Laboratories Inc., of Thunder Bay, ON (“Microlithics”) is independent of the issuer, and is not ISO accredited. Kevin Kivi, P.Geo. has audited Microlithics to verify sample preparation and analytical methods for diamond recovery were appropriate.
Mr. Doyle continues “the opportunity for an economic discovery at Timantti is substantially improved by easier access than companies face in in northern Canada and Siberia. The Wolf kimberlites represent the first discoveries in a possibly more extensive diamondiferous kimberlite field.”
“Both Roy and Buddy have led Tier 1, major company diamond mine discovery teams, and previously collaborated on diamond projects in Finland and on the development of the Lihqobong Diamond Mine in Lesotho,” commented Mr. Patrick Power, President and CEO of Arctic Star. “Roy’s extensive local knowledge and experience will mean we can hit the ground running in Finland, and we expect to commence work immediately upon closing of the transaction.”
The Wolf kimberlites were discovered by European Diamonds PLC in 2005. The discovery team was led by Mr. Spencer. European Diamonds made the discoveries by drilling a low-magnitude magnetic high anomaly at the head of a prominent G10 pyrope garnet-bearing kimberlitic indicator mineral (“KIM”) train they had traced over 30km. In total eight (8) angled diamond drill holes were completed on the bodies. Some 41.2kg of kimberlite, which comprised pyroclastic and hypabyssal phases, were collected. In September 2005 European reported “microdiamond analysis at the laboratories of Kennecott Canada Exploration in Thunder Bay, Canada, identified a total of 42 small diamonds between 0.15 and 0.88 mm in size from 4 samples totaling 41.2kg in weight. Sample processing was performed to the ISO/IEC17025 standard. Eleven of the 42 diamonds have a longest axis equal to or greater than 0.5mm with the largest stone having a long axis of 0.88mm. Approximately 26{92d3d6fd85a76c012ea375328005e518e768e12ace6b1722b71965c2a02ea7ce} of the stones were white and some 38{92d3d6fd85a76c012ea375328005e518e768e12ace6b1722b71965c2a02ea7ce} were octahedrons“.
In 2006 European Diamonds changed its name to Kopane Diamond PLC. An 8.8t kimberlite sample was extracted from the Wolf kimberlites from two shallow backhoe trenches. These samples were run through a gravity separation circuit at the Finnish government facility in Outokumpu. 1.25 carats of stones greater than 1mm were recovered. The largest stone recovered was 0.09 carats.
Buddy Doyle further comments, “The high microdiamond count, 77 stones (greater than 0.15mm), from the two small samples totaling 60.1kgs (European plus Arctic Star Caustic Fusion samples) is a significant result. Backhoe trenching results are significant because they show the Wolf pipes contain diamonds of over 1mm.
The Wolf kimberlites occur on the Fennoscandian Shield which hosts the world class (multi-billion dollar revenue) diamond mines at the Arkhangelskaya kimberlite (Lomonosov Mine) and Grib kimberlite (Grib Mine), both near Arkhangelsk Russia (450km East of Wolf). In Finland the diamond bearing Kuopio kimberlite field occurs on the exposed Archaean Karelian Craton segment of the Fennoscandian Shield, south of the Timantti Project.
Arctic Star believes that the diamond bearing Wolf kimberlites signify the first discoveries in a new diamond bearing kimberlite field. This view is supported by public data showing “cloud” of KIMs distributed across an area that is some 80km wide and roughly centered on the Wolf kimberlites.
Patrick Power, President and CEO comments, “I believe that a commanding land position around the Wolf kimberlites is the key to ensuring our shareholders have maximum exposure to discovery in this new and exciting diamond district, which we believe offers high potential for numerous further diamond-bearing kimberlite discoveries. This to me is the most exciting aspect of the Timantti project.“
After closing the acquisition, the next steps are to quickly gain a better understanding of the Wolf kimberlites. The Arctic Star field visit confirmed the Wolf kimberlites contain both pyroclastic (formed near surface) and hypabyssal (formed at depth) kimberlite types. Arctic Star plans to complete detailed magnetic, gravity and EM (electro-magnetic) geophysical ground surveys, which will be used to target further drilling. Drilling will help define the shape and tonnage of each kimberlite and collect more material for caustic fusion analysis for microdiamonds. The microdiamond distribution will determine the parameters of a bulk sample (to determine diamond grade and value).
To swiftly discover more kimberlites on the Timantti Project, Arctic plans to fly airborne geophysical surveys to cover the entire region that hosts KIMs. The Company will improve targeting by detailed ground follow up of the indicator mineral anomalies in the area.
Arctic Star has entered into a Share Exchange Agreement dated effective June 7, 2017 and agreed to issue 14,500,000 common shares at a deemed price of $0.20 per share for all the right, title and interest to Foriet Oy, a Finnish company that has the 243Ha exploration permit over the Wolf kimberlites in North-Eastern Finland. 10,000,000 of the Arctic Star shares are to be issued to Dragon Equities Ltd., a UK company, which indirectly owns Foriet Oy, and 4,500,000 shares will be issued to the beneficial owners of a joint venture partner of Foriet Oy. On completion of the Share Exchange, Foriet Oy will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Arctic Star.
In addition to the 4 month hold period imposed by securities regulation, all shares issued in the transaction will be subject to a Value Securities Escrow Agreement whereby the shares are released over a 3 year period. Closing of the Share Exchange Agreement is subject to TSX-V approval.
The Company welcomes Mr. Roy Spencer and Mr. Scott Eldridge to the Board of Directors.
In addition to Mr. Spencer’s previously mentioned accomplishments, Roy is a GSSA Member and a Fellow of the AusIMM. Roy joined De Beers upon graduation from high school in 1966 and has been involved with exploration and deposit evaluation for gemstones and other commodities throughout his career. Roy’s tertiary education was at the University of Natal and Rhodes University in South Africa, and is a member of the Geological Society of South Africa and a Fellow of the Aus.I.M.M. As technical director of Peregrine Diamonds, he discovered the first kimberlites on the Pilbara craton in Western Australia in 1989, and as Leader of the Owners Team for Archangel Diamond Corporation he was largely responsible for the discovery of the world class Grib kimberlite in far northern Russia (February, 1996). In 1998, Roy created and raised the seed finance for Ilmari Exploration Oy to explore for gold, base metals and diamonds on the Karelian Craton in Finland. Ilmari went public in 2000, and discovered the Lentiira kimberlite cluster in central Finland in 2003.
In 2006, as CEO of London-based diamond explorer European Diamonds, Roy led the Owners Team which brought the Liqhobong kimberlite (Lesotho) into commercial production on time and under budget. In mid-2007, Roy left European, a company which had evolved into a successful mid-tier diamond producer and marketer after having raised £23 million over a 6-year period. Since that time Roy has continued in gemstone exploration and deposit evaluation in Africa, Finland and western Russia for a variety of junior and senior mining companies.
Scott Eldridge is experienced in the financial industry focused on the resource sector. He is a co-founder, President & CEO of Euroscandic International Group Inc., a private company offering accounting and investment banking services to natural resource companies. During his time in the industry Scott has been responsible for raising in excess of $500 million in combined equity and debt financing for mining projects varying from exploration to construction financing around the globe. Mr. Eldridge has a B.B.A. from Capilano University, and an M.B.A. from Central European University.
About Arctic Star: Arctic Star is an experienced diamond and mineral exploration company, with diamond exploration properties in Nunavut (Stein), the NWT (Diagras and Redemption) and in the Athabasca Basin of SK. The Company has been planning and de-risking its entry to Finland over the last year, and is pleased to present what it believes is the pre-eminent new field opportunity to shareholders in the Timantti Project.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF
ARCTIC STAR EXPLORATION CORP.
“Patrick Power”
Patrick Power, President
+1 (604) 689-1799
Qualified Persons: The content of this news release has been read and approved by Roy Spencer, FAusIMM, a Director of the Company, who is a Qualified Person and has been read and approved Kevin R, Kivi, P.Geo., an Independent Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Forward-Looking Statements: Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements in this press release include that the Timantti Project offers high potential for numerous further diamond-bearing kimberlite discoveries; Arctic’s drilling and surveying plans and the expected outcome of those plans; that Arctic can swiftly discover more kimberlite on the property; that the Wolf kimberlites themselves may have the potential to be economic; that the transaction will receive TSX approval and will close; the statements that Mr. Spencer will be a strong addition to the ADD discovery team, that the Exploration Reservations contiguous with the acquired claim package would be able to be explored.
Such forward-looking statements and information are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statement. Specific risks included that we may not be able to finance our intended acquisition or intended exploration and we may not obtain regulatory approval for the transaction.
The Wolf kimberlites assets have not been the subject of any recent resource work, much less a feasibility study and as such there is no certainty that any future resource will be defined or be able to produce a commercially marketable product. There is a significant risk that any future efforts at the project will not demonstrate any merit for work to evaluate for a defined NI 43-101 compliant resource and economic study. General risks inherent in the Project include the reliance on available data and assumptions and judgments used in the interpretation of such data, the speculative and uncertain nature of exploration and development, exploration and development costs, capital requirements and the ability to obtain financing, volatility of global and local economic climates, possible political instability, share price volatility, estimate price volatility, changes in equity markets, increases in costs, exchange rate fluctuations and other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry. There can be no assurance that a forward-looking statement or information referenced herein will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements or information. Also, many of the factors are beyond our control. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. We undertake no obligation to reissue or update any forward-looking statements or information except as required by law.
- Published in Arctic Star Exploration, Mining, News Home
Commercial Operations at Gahcho Kue Highlights Canada as Global Producer
Commercial Operations at Gahcho Kue Highlights Canada as Global Producer
Mountain Province Diamonds’ report this week of the sale of 222,000 carats of rough stones for $21.1 million at $95 per carat at its fifth diamond sale of goods from Gahcho Kué has served to put the spotlight on the country’s major role as a diamond producer.
The manner in which Mountain Province secures certain diamonds for sale in competition with its partner, De Beers Canada, which owns 51 percent of the operation, is also of interest. The firms bid for the diamonds they are particularly interested in selling. Mountain Province’s sales figures were increased due to the inclusion of a selection of the fancies and specials won by the company otherwise scheduled for inclusion in the sixth sale, which will occur in the second half of July. Excluding these high value diamonds, the average value realized per carat was $75.
The fifth sale represented the company’s strongest sale performance to date, the mining company said. “The financial result was matched by several strong performance measures, including the number of buyers attending, the number of attendees placing bids and the average number of bids per lot.” Reid Mackie, Vice President Diamond Marketing, said: “The June tender sale was our best attended to date and produced a record number of bids. Repeat customers won 75 percent of lots, indicating that the rough market’s understanding of our diamonds’ performance at manufacturing is positive and well on track.” The company declared the commencement of commercial production on March 1.
As far as Canada is concerned, it has taken the country little more than 15 years to become one of the world’s main diamond producers. The main diamond-producing countries, notably South Africa, Russia and Botswana, have been in the game for much longer. In South Africa’s case, more than a century and in the case of the other two states, much more than half a century.
In Canada’s case, areas rich in diamonds were found with the November 1991 discovery of diamonds in the Northwest Territories by Chuck Fipke and Stu Blusson in what eventually became the Diavik mine. Output at the mine is expected to be about 7.4 million carats this year.
Another relatively new mining operation is Stornoway’s Renard mine in Quebec which has been a long time in the making. The firm in May announced the production of one million carats of diamonds and polished diamonds from the mine are already being offered for sale in Birks’ department store in Montreal. Renard is Quebec’s first producing diamond mine and Canada’s sixth. Average annual diamond production is forecast at 1.8 million carats per annum over the first 10 years of mining.
One of the world’s major diversified miners, Rio Tinto, is also involved in the Canadian diamond mining scene – owning 60 percent of the Diavik mine. And new Rio Tinto head, Jean-Sebastien Jacques, last year confirmed that diamonds are a “priority area” for the firm, saying, “I would love to have more diamonds, to be very explicit.” And the company has further put its money where its mouth is with an announcement this week by signing a three-year, $18.5-million option on Shore Gold’s Star-Orion South diamond project in northern Saskatchewan.
Meanwhile, De Beers is working to extend the life of its Victor mine in Ontario, but work on a potential expansion can’t move forward until it reaches an agreement with the Attawapiskat First Nation and other communities in the area.
Canada owes its number three ranking to just one region of the Northwest Territories, Lac de Gras, which is the location of three large diamond-producing mines, Ekati, Diavik and Snap Lake.
Among the country’s other mining firms are Kennady Diamonds Inc. which controls 100 percent of the Kennady North diamond project located in the Northwest Territories. Kennady North is immediately to the north and west of the Gahcho Kué Diamond Mine.
Meanwhile, Arctic Star Exploration has announced plans to explore its 54,000-hectare T-Rex property in Lac de Gras. Previous exploration has found over a dozen kimberlites, most of them diamondiferous, the company says.
And there are other smaller firms aiming to develop Canada’s diamond industry. Meanwhile, the country has placed a great deal of emphasis on its diamonds not having any association with conflict diamonds from Africa. Indeed, Canada is one of the main supporters of the Kimberly Process.
In addition, all Canadian diamond mines are overseen by the Canada Mining Regulations for the Northwest Territories. This program ensures the preservation of surrounding land and aquatic habitats.
With diamond mines depleting generally, and particularly at larger operations, the Canada brand appears to be strongly placed to continue to consolidate its position as the world’s third-largest diamond producer.
- Published in Arctic Star Exploration, Blog, Mining
Margaret Lake JV with Arctic Star begins Diagras geophysical survey
Margaret Lake JV with Arctic Star begins Diagras geophysical survey
Margaret Lake Diamonds Inc.’s joint venture with Arctic Star Exploration Corp. has initiated a ground exploration program on the Diagras property. DIA is the operator of this program with a 60{92d3d6fd85a76c012ea375328005e518e768e12ace6b1722b71965c2a02ea7ce} interest and ADD contributing 40 {92d3d6fd85a76c012ea375328005e518e768e12ace6b1722b71965c2a02ea7ce}. Diagras is located in the north-eastern part of the prolific Lac de Gras kimberlite field, 22km NNE of the Diavik diamond mine and 36km east of the Ekati diamond mine in NT Canada. Research and data compilation shows that the property hosts over a dozen kimberlites, with most of them diamondiferous.
The claims selected by the company comprise 23 and total 18,699hectares, forming the Diagras property. The property was obtained by posting a bond of approximately $200,000 with the Government of the Northwest Territories.
The Diagras property is located in the prolific north-northeastern part of the Lac de Gras kimberlite field where the Diavik (operated by Rio Tinto PLC) and Ekati diamond mines (operated by Dominion Diamonds Corp.) are located. The following diamondiferous deposits A21, A418, A154S, A154N, Piranha Lynx, Misery, A841, and Jay kimberlite pipes, line up in a >25 km. structural corridor trending NNE into the Diagras property. The nearest of these pipes, Jay is just 8.9 kilometers from the Diagras boundary.
Diagras has diamondiferous kimberlites
Historical work on the Diagras property was originally conducted by De Beers in the 1990s and some subsequent work by Majescor Resources in 2004. Whilst being explored by De Beers it was known as the Hardy Lake property, it was their work that identified the 13 known kimberlites on the Diagras property controlled by the joint venture.
Originally the kimberlites were discovered primarily as the result of follow-up of airborne magnetic surveys some 2 decades ago. In some instances short holes were drilled that did not explain the magnetic anomalies.
Exploration Strategy
The Joint Venture has mobilised crews to undertake ground geophysical surveys in the area of known kimberlites and also to evaluate other previously unresolved targets. The geophysical surveys will comprise of ground gravity, magnetics and the OhmMapper ground EM method. The objective of this work is to attempt to detect previously undiscovered non-magnetic phases near the original magnetic kimberlite discoveries. The Jack Pine kimberlite, one of the 13 kimberlites in our portfolio, is one such large complex kimberlite, with multiple phases with different geophysical responses. It is hoped that our planned surveys will reveal similar geology around the other pipes. There is also a good chance to find new kimberlites using these new ground geophysical techniques. This ground geophysical work has now commenced and is designed to establish drill targets which will be slated for testing in the next phase of the exploration program.
Field work on this program calls for completion in mid-May which will then require interpretation. Current weather and ground conditions are considered good for this program.
The technical data in this news release has been reviewed by Mark Fields P. Geo., a Qualified Person under the provisions of National Instrument 43-101.
About Margaret Lake Diamonds
Margaret Lake Diamonds Inc. is a diamond exploration company focussed on the Northwest Territories with two exploration properties. The Diagras project is as detailed elsewhere in this release. The other project is Margaret Lake (adjacent to Kennady north and in close proximity to Gacho Kue, the newest Canadian diamond mine owned by De Beers and Mountain Province diamonds).
We seek Safe Harbor.
© 2017 Canjex Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.
- Published in Arctic Star Exploration, Mining, News Home
Arctic Star applies for drilling permits for Cap
Arctic Star Exploration Corp. has begun permitting for a drill program on the company’s wholly owned Cap property, which is located approximately 80 kilometres northwest of Prince George, B.C.
The company acquired the Cap property in 2010 for its potential to host rare metal deposits (niobium and tantalum) and/or rare earth elements. These commodities have undergone a dramatic shift in demand, owing in part to their usage in the green energy sector, which includes modern wind turbines, rechargeable batteries, catalytic convertors and more.
The Cap property is within the central parts of the Rocky Mountain rare metal belt; it encompasses six claims (one new) totalling 2,825 hectares (6,980 acres) and is about 50 km southwest of the Wicheeda REE carbonatite. During 2008 and 2009, the Main zone at Wicheeda was drill tested with 15 drill holes at three sites.
Highlights included:
- 2008-02: 3.55 per cent REE across 48.64 metres;
- 2009-07: 2.92 per cent REE across 72 metres;
- 2009-09: 2.2 per cent REE across 144 metres.
The property was originally staked to cover an approximately three- to five-kilometre-diameter, circular, airborne magnetic geophysical anomaly, which is believed to represent a carbonatite (or similar intrusion) at depth. A brief field examination during September, 2010, identified two narrow syenite dikes, near the crest of the ridge that trends from northwest to southeast across the property. The dikes contained highly anomalous geochemistry, including 481 to 981 parts per million niobium, 1,125 to 3,191 parts per million zirconium, greater than 100 parts per million lanthanum, greater than 100 parts per million cerium and greater than 50 parts per million neodymium. These high-level dikes indicate that the source of the magnetic geophysical anomaly may be associated with a carbonatite or similar intrusion.
More recently, a single contiguous claim was staked to cover a newly discovered rare metal occurrence, which includes a thin fenite dike, which is typically indicative of proximity to a larger alkaline intrusive body. Two historical samples returned strongly anomalous values of rare earth elements (0.13 and 0.10 per cent REE).
Geologically, the Cap property has similar potential to the known carbonatite complexes worldwide. Carbonatite-related deposits are a major host for rare metals, such as niobium and tantalum, and rare earth elements. The world’s largest niobium mine, Araxa in Brazil, and several of the world’s largest rare earth element deposits, including Lynas Corp.’s Mount Weld deposit in Australia and Molycorp’s Mountain Pass deposit in the United States, are all hosted by carbonatites. Geologically similar exploration projects include Hudson Resources Inc.’s Sarfartoq carbonatite project in Greenland and Rare Element Resources Ltd.’s Bear Lodge carbonatite project in Wyoming.
Darren L. Smith, MSc, PGeol, Dahrouge Geological Consulting Ltd., a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, supervised the preparation of the technical information in this news release.
© 2017 Canjex Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.
- Published in Arctic Star Exploration, Mining, News Home
Arctic Star Permitting Drill Program on Cap Property
Arctic Star Permitting Drill Program on Cap Property
– Momentum Public Relations –
Press Release: January 17, 2017
Arctic Star Exploration Corp, (TSXV: ADD) (“Arctic Star” or the “Company”) is pleased to report that it has begun permitting for a drill program on the company’s wholly owned CAP Property, which is located approximately 80 km northwest of Prince George, British Columbia.
The company acquired the CAP Property in 2010 for it’s potential to host rare metal deposits (Nb, Ta) and/or rare earth elements (REE). These commodities have undergone a dramatic shift in demand owing in part to their usage in the green energy sector, which includes modern wind turbines, rechargeable batteries, catalytic convertors, and more.
The CAP Property is within the central parts of the Rocky Mountain Rare Metal belt; it encompasses six claims (one new) totaling 2,825 ha (6,980 acres) and is about 50 km southwest of the Wicheeda REE Carbonatite. During 2008 and 2009, the Main zone at Wicheeda was drill tested with 15 drill holes at three sites. Highlights included:
- 2008-02: 3.55 per cent REE across 48.64 metres;
- 2009-07: 2.92 per cent REE across 72 metres; and
- 2009-09: 2.2 per cent REE across 144 metres.
The property was originally staked to cover an approximately three- to five-kilometre-diameter, circular, airborne magnetic geophysical anomaly, which is believed to represent a carbonatite (or similar intrusion) at depth. A brief field examination during September, 2010, identified two narrow, syenite dikes near the crest of the ridge that trends from northwest to southeast across the property. The dikes contained highly anomalous geochemistry, including 481 to 981 parts per million niobium, 1,125 to 3,191 parts per million zirconium, greater than 100 parts per million lanthanum, greater than 100 parts per million cerium and greater than 50 parts per million neodymium. These high-level dikes indicate that the source of the magnetic geophysical anomaly may be associated with a carbonatite, or similar intrusion.
More recently, a single contiguous claim was staked to cover a newly discovered rare metal occurrence, which includes a thin fenite dyke, which is typically indicative of proximity to a larger alkaline intrusive body. Two historic samples returned strongly anomalous values of Rare Earth Elements (0.13 and 0.10{92d3d6fd85a76c012ea375328005e518e768e12ace6b1722b71965c2a02ea7ce} REE’s).
Geologically, the Cap Property has similar potential to the known carbonatite complexes worldwide. Carbonatite-related deposits are a major host for rare metals, such as niobium and tantalum, and rare earth elements. The world’s largest niobium mine, Araxa in Brazil, and several of the world’s largest rare earth element deposits, including Lynas Corporation’s Mt. Weld deposit in Australia and Molycorp’s Mountain Pass deposit in the United States, are all hosted by carbonatites. Geologically similar exploration projects include Hudson Resources Inc.’s Sarfartoq carbonatite project in Greenland and Rare Element Resources Ltd.’s Bear Lodge carbonatite project in Wyoming.
Darren L. Smith, MSc, PGeol, Dahrouge Geological Consulting Ltd., a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, supervised the preparation of the technical information in this news release.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF
ARCTIC STAR EXPLORATION CORP.
“Patrick Power”
Patrick Power, President
(604) 689-1799
- Published in Arctic Star Exploration, Mining, News Home
Arctic Star contracts Momentum for investor relations
Arctic Star Exploration Corp. has retained Momentum Public Relations Inc. (MomentumPR) to provide on-line investor relations services to the company.
MomentumPR, a Quebec-based company, is a public, investor and media relations agency serving publicly traded companies listed on the TSX Venture Exchange and specializes in launching target awareness campaigns for small- and medium-sized public companies.
Momentum will assist Arctic Star in increasing public awareness of the company by managing the company’s corporate communications and marketing activities, and facilitating dialogue with the company’s shareholders, finance professionals, analysts and media contacts.
The principal of MomentumPR is Max Gagne. Mr. Gagne owns 400,000 shares and 400,000 warrants of the company. The agreement with MomentumPR is for six months commencing Jan. 1, 2017. Momentum will be paid a fixed fee of $30,000 plus any applicable taxes, payable at the beginning of the contract period. MomentumPR has also been granted 300,000 stock options exercisable for five years at a price of 8.5 cents. The agreement with MomentumPR is subject to approval by the TSX Venture Exchange.
© 2017 Canjex Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.
- Published in Arctic Star Exploration, Mining, News Home
Arctic Star 22.46-million-share private placement
The TSX Venture Exchange has accepted for filing documentation with respect to a non-brokered private placement announced on Oct. 12, 2016.
Number of shares: 22.46 million shares
Purchase price: six cents per share
Warrants: 22.46 million share purchase warrants to purchase 22.46 million shares
Warrant initial exercise price: eight cents
Warrant term to expiry: two years
Number of placees: 36 placees
Insiders: B.J. Financial Accounting Consultants Inc. (Brijender Jassal), 500,000 shares; 0800025 B.C. Ltd. (Patrick Power), 3.75 million shares; Thomas Yingling, one million shares; Lithosphere Services Inc. (Buddy Doyle), 2.45 million shares; William Ferreira, one million shares
Aggregate pro group involvement: 550,000 shares (two placees)
Finders’ fees: Canaccord Genuity Corp., $21,600 cash, 760,000 warrants; PI Financial Corp., $3,600 cash
Finder warrant initial exercise price: six cents
Finder warrant term to expiry: Each warrant is exercisable into one share at six cents per share until Dec. 29, 2018.
Note that in certain circumstances the exchange may later extend the expiry date of the warrants if they are less than the maximum permitted term.
© 2017 Canjex Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.
- Published in Arctic Star Exploration, Mining, News Home
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