EXPLORING FOR DIAMONDS AND THE NORTH — Le Tac discovery

The story of how diamonds were discovered in Le Tac Twp. in northwestern Quebec includes a large amount of luck and is similar to earlier finds of mineral deposits in the Canadian Shield.

So writes Wiscan Resources (TSE) in its 1992 annual report, of Le Tac, which lies within the Abitibi Greenstone belt of volcanic, sedimentary and intrusive rocks of Quebec and Ontario. The junior has interests in a large number of properties in Le Tac and neighboring townships.

“In the 1950s, a number of drill holes were put down in Le Tac Twp. probing for gold deposits,” states the Wiscan report. “One of these holes, drilled in 1956, intersected about 200 ft. of a dark rock which was logged as lamprophye, a rock of deep-seated genesis somewhat akin to kimberlite.” Junior Explorations Minieres du Nord (ME), headed by J.J. Martel, acquired the property in 1986 and, with its partners, continued the search for gold. “Following the discovery of the Lac de Gras diamond-bearing kimberlites (in the Northwest Territories), Dr. Peter Smith, a Quebec geologist, alerted Mr. Martel to the possibility that this lamprophye might in fact be kimberlite,” Wiscan continues.

“A geologist was dispatched to the property and luckily the drill core from the 1956 drilling program was still available. Samples were taken and submitted to Monopros, the Canadian exploration arm of De Beers, for analyses. Results indicated not only numerous diamond indicator minerals but a microdiamond as well.

“Monopros subsequently optioned the property from Minieres du Nord and Soquem, and is currently exploring this kimberlite and other potential pipes in the area.”

A staking rush ensued in February, March and April of this year. The area of staking has extended well beyond township boundaries. For example, Abior Explorations (ME) has acquired three groups of properties; two of the projects, Le Tac and Desmaraisville (the latter being a joint venture with Soquem) are in the general vicinity of the discovery, and the third, Senneterre, lies to the southeast.

Wiscan’s joint-venture partners are Storimin Exploration (ASE), Murgor Resources (VSE), Consolidated Gold Hawk Resources (ASE) and Minieres du Nord. Other juniors with Le Tac property interests include Orient Resources (ME), Consolidated Oasis Resources (ME), Noront Resources (VSE), Blue Emerald Resources (VSE), Beauchamps Exploration (VSE), Beaufield Consolidated Resources (VSE), Dundee-Palliser Resources (TSE) and KWG Resources (ME).