Lithoquest Diamonds Uncovers Micro-Diamonds at North Kimberley Project, Signaling Significant Potential in Western Australia
Perth, Western Australia – Lithoquest Diamonds Inc., a Canadian-based diamond exploration company, has announced a groundbreaking discovery, confirming the recovery of three micro-diamonds from a sample meticulously collected at its highly promising North Kimberley Diamond Project. This significant finding, located in the resource-rich northern region of Western Australia, marks a pivotal moment for the company and underscores the project’s substantial potential for diamond mineralization.
The company, which has been diligently exploring the vast and geologically complex Kimberley region, described the recovery of these microscopic diamonds as nothing short of “extraordinary.” This term encapsulates the excitement and the scientific significance of finding actual diamonds, even at a micro-level, especially during the early stages of exploration. The particular sample that yielded these precious stones was a 10.06 kg rock specimen, identified as a highly-weathered outcrop, meticulously retrieved from target 0702 within the expansive project area. This sample was one of six recovered in December 2017, with two originating from anomaly 1605 and four from anomaly 0702. All six samples were subsequently dispatched for comprehensive testing, primarily focused on the identification of kimberlite indicator minerals (KIMs), which are crucial geological markers often associated with diamond-bearing kimberlite pipes.
Understanding the Discovery and Its Geological Context
The North Kimberley region of Western Australia is renowned for its rich geological history and has long been a focal point for diamond exploration. The presence of kimberlite, the primary host rock for diamonds, has made this area a prime target for companies like Lithoquest. The discovery of micro-diamonds in a weathered outcrop at target 0702 provides compelling evidence of a nearby diamond source. Weathered outcrops, while challenging to analyze, can often provide initial clues to underlying mineral deposits. The fact that the diamonds were recovered from such a sample is particularly encouraging, as it suggests the presence of diamond-bearing material closer to the surface or within the weathered profile.
The sampling strategy, which involved collecting specimens from both anomaly 0702 and anomaly 1605, reflects a systematic approach to pinpointing potential kimberlite bodies. Anomaly 0702 has now demonstrably proven its prospectivity with the recovery of these micro-diamonds, elevating its status as a high-priority drilling target. While no diamonds were recovered from the other five samples in this batch, the positive result from one sample is immensely valuable in guiding future exploration efforts and focusing resources on the most promising areas within the extensive project.
Rigorous Scientific Methodology and Independent Verification
The integrity and reliability of diamond exploration results are paramount, and Lithoquest Diamonds Inc. has ensured that its findings are underpinned by a robust scientific methodology and independent verification. The testing and recovery process for the micro-diamonds were meticulously carried out by Diamond Recovery Services Pty Ltd., a reputable independent laboratory situated in Perth, Western Australia. The choice of an independent laboratory like Diamond Recovery Services adds a layer of credibility and transparency to the findings, assuring stakeholders of the impartiality and accuracy of the results.
The laboratory employs a traditional, yet highly effective, recovery process designed specifically to liberate and identify kimberlite indicator minerals, and ultimately, diamonds, from rock samples. This process typically involves several key stages: initial crushing and grinding of the rock sample, followed by heavy liquid separation. During heavy liquid separation, minerals are separated based on their specific gravity. Diamonds, being significantly denser than most common rock-forming minerals, sink in heavy liquids where other minerals float. This concentrate is then subjected to caustic fusion, a chemical process that dissolves silicate minerals while leaving diamonds and other resistant minerals intact. This method is crucial for ensuring that even minute diamonds are recovered and identified without being damaged or overlooked.
Following their recovery, the diamond compositions were rigorously confirmed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). An SEM provides high-resolution images of the sample surface, allowing for detailed analysis of the diamonds’ morphology, surface features, and internal structure, thereby definitively confirming their authenticity. This multi-stage, scientifically sound approach ensures that the reported micro-diamonds are accurately identified and validated.
The Characteristics and Significance of the Micro-Diamonds
The three micro-diamonds recovered from the sample exhibited distinct characteristics: two were noted to be yellow in color, and one was grey. Their size fraction ranged from +0.1 mm to -0.3 mm. While micro-diamonds, by definition, are too small to be of commercial value on their own, their presence holds immense geological and economic significance during the exploration phase. They act as invaluable pathfinders, confirming that the kimberlite host rock is indeed diamond-bearing. The color variations (yellow and grey) can sometimes offer clues about the conditions under which these diamonds formed and the characteristics of the primary source kimberlite.
The recovery of micro-diamonds, especially from early-stage surface samples, is often the first tangible evidence of a potential economic diamond deposit. It transforms a geological anomaly into a confirmed diamond prospect, significantly de-risking further exploration expenditures. The fact that these diamonds were present within the specified size fraction is also important, as it confirms that the sampling and recovery methodologies are capable of detecting diamonds within expected ranges for early-stage exploration.
CEO’s Vision: Reinforcing Prospectivity and Future Plans
Bruce Counts, the President and CEO of Lithoquest Diamonds Inc., expressed profound optimism regarding this discovery. “This confirms that rocks present at target 0702 are diamond bearing and reinforces the prospective nature of the North Kimberley Diamond Project,” Counts stated, emphasizing the critical implications of the findings. His comments underscore the shift from theoretical potential to confirmed diamond presence, a monumental step in mineral exploration.
The confirmation of diamond-bearing rocks at target 0702 provides strong encouragement for Lithoquest’s strategic direction and future work programs. It validates previous geological models and geochemical surveys that identified this specific area as a high-priority target. The next phase of exploration is already in motion, with the company eagerly anticipating the commencement of its 2018 field program. This ambitious program is set to include extensive drilling operations specifically designed to collect additional samples. These new samples will undergo dedicated micro-diamond testing, aiming to delineate the extent of the diamondiferous body and potentially identify the primary kimberlite source.
The drilling campaign will be a pivotal step, moving from surface sampling to subsurface investigation. It will provide crucial information about the depth, orientation, and potential grade of the diamond-bearing kimberlite. Success in this phase could lead to the identification of a significant diamond resource, propelling the North Kimberley Diamond Project towards advanced stages of development and attracting further investment. The company’s proactive approach in planning and executing this drilling program demonstrates its confidence in the project’s long-term viability and its commitment to uncovering a major diamond discovery in Western Australia.
Building on Previous Success: A Progressive Narrative of Discovery
This latest discovery of micro-diamonds is not an isolated event but rather a significant progression in Lithoquest’s exploration narrative at the North Kimberley Diamond Project. Just two months prior to this announcement, Lithoquest had reported another encouraging finding: the recovery of Kimberlite Indicator Minerals (KIMs) from composite rock samples. These KIMs were collected in April 2017 from the very same project site, predating the micro-diamond discovery.
The sequential nature of these discoveries—first KIMs, then actual micro-diamonds—paints a compelling picture of increasing confidence and scientific validation. KIMs such as garnets, ilmenites, and chromites are minerals that form under the extreme pressures and temperatures characteristic of diamond-forming environments deep within the Earth’s mantle. When these minerals are found at the surface, especially in clusters or specific suites, they are highly reliable indicators of the presence of a kimberlite pipe, which is the conduit through which diamonds are brought to the surface.
The earlier identification of KIMs provided the initial geological rationale for focusing on specific targets and commencing more detailed sampling, which ultimately led to the recovery of the micro-diamonds. This consistent positive feedback loop from exploration activities reinforces the robust geological potential of the North Kimberley Diamond Project. It demonstrates a systematic and successful exploration strategy, progressively narrowing down the search area and confirming the presence of diamond-bearing kimberlite. For investors and industry observers, this incremental success builds a strong case for the project’s potential to host a commercially viable diamond deposit, positioning Lithoquest Diamonds Inc. as a key player in the ongoing global search for new diamond sources.
Future Outlook and Investment Potential
The North Kimberley Diamond Project, with these recent discoveries, is rapidly gaining prominence within the global diamond exploration landscape. The confirmation of micro-diamonds acts as a powerful catalyst for further exploration and potential investment. Western Australia, already a globally significant mining jurisdiction, could see its reputation enhanced further as a premier destination for diamond exploration and production. Lithoquest Diamonds Inc.’s systematic approach, combined with the promising geological indicators, positions the company for potential long-term success in the competitive diamond market.