Diamond explorer
A year ago, BHP Diamonds flew its proprietary Falcon gravity gradiometer survey over the two claim blocks. Using results from the survey in conjunction with reinterpreted geophysical data made available by Kennecott Canada Exploration, BHP identified 22 potential kimberlite targets. The targets were assessed on the basis of size and intensity of the gravity anomalies, topographic expression, and the presence of kimberlite indicator minerals, along with coincident electromagnetic and magnetic anomalies. Three of the targets were considered high-priority.
After Archon drilled the first four targets to no avail, the original 22 targets were whittled down to 16, using stricter geological and geophysical perimeters. Archon tested 14 of these targets, but again to no avail. They appear to be the result of geological formations other than kimberlite. The remaining two anomalies lie untested under lakes on the DHK block.
BHP’s proprietary airborne gravity survey is designed to detect density contrasts. Kimberlites of sufficient size and density are detectable with this technology, as are other geological formations of low density, such as meta-sediments, lake bottom sediments and deep overburden. Some of the targets tested by Archon were magnetic and electromagnetic anomalies, and were recorded concurrently with the Falcon survey and from earlier data. These anomalies were caused by sulphides.
BHP has flown the Falcon survey over the Ekati mine property, resulting in the discovery of several new kimberlite pipes, including the Impala kimberlite, which yielded 72 macrodiamonds and 111 micros from 277.9 kg of sample.
The DHK and WI blocks are held by DHK Diamonds,
Archon maintained its 10% interest in the joint venture by drill-testing the first five Falcon targets solely at its own cost.
DHK Diamonds is a private company owned equally by
BHP is in the midst of flying its Falcon survey over the northern portion of the 565-sq.-km WO property, in accordance with an agreement signed by all of the property owners. The WO block covers ground south and southeast of the Diavik diamond mine project, and includes the infamous Tli Kwi Cho (DO27 and DO18) kimberlites.
The WO block is currently held 75% by DHK Diamonds, 15% by
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