Kimberlitic indicator minerals found by Geological Survey of Canada on North Star's Superior Craton Project
27 Octubre 2003 - 5:23PM
PR Newswire (US)
Kimberlitic indicator minerals found by Geological Survey of Canada
on North Star's Superior Craton Project BELLINGHAM, WA, Oct. 27
/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- North Star Diamonds, Inc. (NQB Pink
Sheets: NSDM). North Star Diamonds, Inc. is pleased to report on
the ongoing exploration program at the Superior Craton Project,
Manitoba. In a News Release dated September 22, 2003 the Company
reported it had acquired a 100% interest in strategically located
mining claims within the Superior Craton in Canada. The Company's
claim block (16,400 acres) is located in southeastern Manitoba
where during the 1990's, positive diamond indicator minerals were
discovered in the area by the Geological Survey of Canada. North
Star staked a cluster of magnetic anomalies in proximity to these
diamond indicators. The Company now reports on the results of this
study where significant numbers of kimberlitic indicator minerals
have been identified that mark important signatures to the presence
of kimberlite pipes. "In 1991 and 1992 The Geological Survey of
Canada, in cooperation with Manitoba Energy and Mines, undertook a
till sampling and overburden sampling and drilling project over the
drift covered Wabigoon belt rocks of southeastern Manitoba, south
of 50 degrees North that includes the North Star claims. Data from
this program included INAA and ICP analyses of till matrix and
heavy mineral concentrates, gold grain counts, kimberlitic
indicator mineral frequency and chemistry, and lithological data. A
total of 465 till samples were acquired from 297 drill holes, 142
from surface sample sites and 26 from river sediments. A total of
195 sand samples were taken from drill core. The heavy mineral
concentrate grains were visually "observed" and potential
kimberlitic indicator minerals were selected for electron
microprobe analysis. Selected grains were mounted and polished in
25 m cylindrical epoxy mounts. Semi-quantitative chemical analysis
of a total of 1195 grains was carried out using a JEOL 8900
electron microprobe operating at 20 KV and 40 nA. Peak counting
times of 10 sec were used for Na20, K20, Ca0, Fe0, Mg0, Al203, Mn0
and Si02 and 40 sec for Ti02 and Cr203. Background determinations
were made only on every 50th grain. Calibration was confirmed at
the beginning and end of each batch. The analyses were completed in
four automated runs which were driven by a set of x-y-z coordinates
for one point per grain, selected to avoid inclusions, fractures or
pits. At the end of each batch, every 28th grain, on average, was
reanalyzed at another similar point to monitor precision related to
grain heterogeneity, calibration drift, or unusual background
measurements. These replicates indicate good reproducibility above
0.1% for all elements, with a few exceptions attributed to
heterogeneity. The resulting data was used to select and classify
minerals as kimberlitic indicator minerals. The data was considered
clearly adequate for the recognition of peridotitic garnets and
kimberlitic oxides, adequate for the selection of chrome-diopsides,
and marginally adequate for the distinction of titanian almandines
(.0.15% Ti02). Garnets (G9, G3) were classified using the Dawson
and Stephens as well as the Gurney classifications. Diopsides with
greater than ~0.50% Cr203 were regarded as chrome diopsides.
Magnesium ilmenites contain 3% Mg0 or more. Diamond inclusion (DI)
chromites were enriched in both Cr and Mg. Indicator mineral
classification was guided in part by recognition of
kimberlite-related chemistry clearly anomalous relative to the
remainder of analyzed grains. A total of 55 kimberlitic indicator
minerals were recovered. The occurrences are well distributed but
seem to be non-random, hence suggesting sources within the study
area. It should be noted that sample processing for the project was
not optimized for recovery of kimberlitic indicator minerals.
Instead, processing was designed for recovery of gold and sulphide
grains. A kimberlitic indicator mineral program was added to the
project after the concentrates had been processed. It can be
roughly estimated that about one quarter to one third of the
indicators would have been lost at the shaker table. More
significantly, chrome diopsides in particular would have been lost
due to the use of undiluted methylene iodide at a specific gravity
of 3.3." North Star has also announced that total of 12 high
priority magnetic anomalies, which are associated to a major
north-south structure located at the western margin of the Superior
Craton, are to be drill tested over the next few months. North Star
Diamonds, Inc. is committed to a long-range plan for diamond
exploration and feels that with the Superior Craton Project and the
assets in Ukraine, North Star is focused on establishing the
Company as a true world explorer in search for diamonds.
Disclaimer: The Company relies upon the safe Harbor Laws of 1993,
1934, and 1995 for all public news releases. Statements, which are
not historical facts, are forward-looking statements. The Company,
through its management, makes forward-looking public statements
concerning its expected future operations, performance and other
developments. Such forward-looking statements are necessarily
estimates reflecting the Company's best judgment based upon current
information and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, and
there can be no assurance that other factors will not affect the
accuracy of such forward-looking statements. It is impossible to
identify all such factors. Factors which could cause actual results
to differ materially from those estimated by the Company include,
but are not limited to, government regulation, managing and
maintaining growth, the effect of adverse publicity, litigation,
competition and other factors which may be identified from time to
time in the Company's public announcements. CONTACT: Toll Free:
877-454-7872 or Email: Walter Stunder, President. DATASOURCE: North
Star Diamonds, Inc. CONTACT: Toll Free: 877-454-7872 or Email:
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