New Kimberlite Targets Uncovered at Diagras Property: Boosting Canada’s Diamond Exploration Potential
In a significant development for the global diamond industry, Margaret Lake Diamonds Inc., a Canada-based diamond exploration company, alongside its joint venture partner Arctic Star Exploration Corp., has announced the successful identification of promising new kimberlite targets. These discoveries, stemming from recent comprehensive ground geophysical surveys, are situated within the strategically important Diagras property. Located in the highly prospective Lac de Gras kimberlite field within Canada’s Northwest Territories (NWT) region, these findings mark a pivotal moment for both companies and the future of Canadian diamond production.
The newly delineated targets represent potential extensions and previously un-evaluated kimberlite bodies, specifically at the renowned Jack Pine kimberlite and the intriguing Black Spruce kimberlite. This joint venture sees Margaret Lake Diamonds Inc. as the operator, holding a 60% share, while Arctic Star Exploration Corp. maintains a 40% interest, underscoring a collaborative effort to unlock the Diagras property’s full potential.
The Strategic Importance of the Lac de Gras Kimberlite Field
The Lac de Gras kimberlite field is globally recognized as one of the most prolific diamond-producing regions, home to several world-class diamond mines. Kimberlites are ancient, carrot-shaped volcanic pipes that often contain diamonds, brought to the Earth’s surface from deep within the mantle. The NWT, with its unique geological history and vast, unexplored territories, remains a frontier for diamond exploration. Discoveries in this region not only contribute to Canada’s status as a leading diamond producer but also offer significant economic opportunities for local communities and the national economy.
The Diagras property, nestled within this illustrious field, has historically shown promise. However, the application of modern, detailed geophysical techniques is now revealing a more intricate geological picture, pointing towards previously overlooked or understated diamond-bearing potential. This renewed focus and the latest findings are a testament to the advancements in exploration technology and the persistent dedication of exploration teams.
Advanced Geophysical Techniques Pave the Way for Discovery
The recent success at Diagras is attributed to a meticulously planned ground geophysical program conducted in the spring. Field crews deployed a suite of sophisticated techniques, each designed to detect specific geological signatures indicative of kimberlite bodies. These included:
- Ground Magnetic Surveys: These surveys measure variations in the Earth’s magnetic field, as kimberlites often have a different magnetic signature compared to surrounding host rocks.
- Ground Gravity Surveys: By measuring subtle differences in gravitational pull, these surveys can identify density contrasts, as kimberlites can be denser or less dense than the surrounding geology.
- Ground Electromagnetic (EM) Surveys: EM methods detect variations in electrical conductivity. Kimberlites can exhibit distinct electrical properties dueating to their unique mineral composition.
The integration and interpretation of data from these multi-faceted surveys provide a comprehensive three-dimensional view of subsurface geology, significantly enhancing the precision and success rate of target identification. This systematic approach allows explorers to pinpoint areas with the highest probability of hosting diamondiferous kimberlites, optimizing subsequent drill testing efforts.
Unveiling the Sequoia Anomaly at Jack Pine Kimberlite
One of the most exciting revelations from the recent surveys is the delineation of an additional significant kimberlitic geophysical response at the Jack Pine kimberlite. Christened the “Sequoia anomaly,” this newly identified target extends approximately 500 meters in a north-south direction and lies strategically to the north of the area previously drilled by Majescor in 2005. What makes the Sequoia anomaly particularly compelling is its display of semi-coincident responses across magnetic, gravity, and EM data, a strong indicator of a bona fide kimberlite body.
The discovery of the Sequoia anomaly is transformative for the Diagras project. When combined with the known Jack Pine kimberlite, the Sequoia anomaly effectively doubles the geophysical footprint of the entire complex. This expansion is not merely an increase in size; it potentially positions the Jack Pine-Sequoia complex as the largest kimberlite complex identified to date within the entire Lac de Gras field. A larger geophysical footprint often correlates with a larger volumetric potential, increasing the likelihood of a substantial diamond resource. This suggests that previous exploration efforts might have only scratched the surface of what this area truly holds, underscoring the value of modern, comprehensive geophysical exploration.
New Potential Emerges at Black Spruce Kimberlite
Simultaneously, the joint venture has reported a significant geophysical response at the Black Spruce kimberlite, a finding believed to have been previously un-evaluated. While earlier work by Majescor had identified areas of low magnetic signature at Black Spruce, the latest surveys have pinpointed new, distinct anomalies in both the southern and eastern sectors of the kimberlite. These new gravity targets present exciting possibilities for discovering entirely new phases or extensions of the Black Spruce kimberlite that have remained hidden until now.
The identification of these fresh anomalies is a critical step forward. While geophysical data strongly suggests the presence of kimberlite, drill testing will be an essential next phase to confirm the geological nature of these gravity targets and to assess their diamond content. The prospect of uncovering new, untested kimberlite bodies significantly enhances the overall resource potential of the Diagras property, opening up new avenues for exploration and development.
A Modern Approach: Learning from Past Successes
Margaret Lake Diamonds Inc. emphasizes its commitment to applying detailed, modern ground geophysical techniques, a strategy aimed at defining additional kimberlite(s) or kimberlite phases that might have been overlooked by older or less comprehensive exploration methods. This forward-thinking approach is not unprecedented; similar methodologies have led to remarkable successes in other diamond-rich regions. The company specifically highlights the Kennady Lake project, where the application of advanced techniques resulted in the significant additional discoveries at Kelvin and Faraday, proving the efficacy of this strategy.
This systematic and technologically driven exploration philosophy is crucial for unlocking the full value of mature diamond fields like Lac de Gras. It allows companies to detect subtle anomalies, differentiate between various kimberlite phases, and explore deeper or in areas previously considered less prospective. By leveraging the latest in geophysical science, Margaret Lake Diamonds and Arctic Star are positioning themselves to make discoveries that could reshape the understanding of the Diagras property’s true scale and richness.
Broader Implications and Future Plans
Beyond the specific targets at Jack Pine and Black Spruce, the spring program also yielded other encouraging results. Several kimberlite-like geophysical signatures were detected in and around known kimberlite bodies across the Diagras property. Intriguingly, Margaret Lake Diamonds states that there is no record or evidence of previous evaluation for many of these newly identified signatures. This suggests a broader potential for uncovering additional, entirely new kimberlite occurrences or extensions of known bodies that have been previously unexplored. These findings underscore the vast, untapped potential that still exists within the Lac de Gras region, even in areas that have seen historical exploration.
Looking ahead, the companies have outlined clear next steps. Concurrent drill testing and further geophysical evaluations are slated to commence in the spring of 2018. This integrated approach will allow for rapid follow-up on the most promising targets while simultaneously refining the understanding of the broader geological landscape. The drilling phase will be critical for obtaining core samples to confirm the presence of kimberlite, analyze its mineralogical composition, and, most importantly, determine its diamond content. Successful drill results could swiftly transition these geophysical anomalies into confirmed diamondiferous kimberlite pipes, paving the way for advanced resource estimation and project development.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Diagras and Canadian Diamonds
The recent announcement by Margaret Lake Diamonds Inc. and Arctic Star Exploration Corp. represents a significant triumph in diamond exploration. The identification of the monumental Sequoia anomaly at Jack Pine, potentially making it the largest kimberlite complex in Lac de Gras, coupled with the promising new targets at Black Spruce, underscores the immense, yet still largely unfulfilled, potential of the Diagras property. By employing cutting-edge geophysical techniques and learning from successful precedents, the joint venture is not only expanding the known diamond resources but also reaffirming Canada’s vital role on the global diamond stage.
As the companies prepare for the crucial drill testing and further evaluations in 2018, the eyes of the diamond industry will undoubtedly be on the Lac de Gras field, awaiting the next chapter in the unfolding story of the Diagras property. These discoveries are more than just geological findings; they are a beacon of opportunity for continued growth, innovation, and prosperity in Canadian diamond exploration.