DIAMOND PAGE — Archangel reports more results from Russia

At the Verkhotina diamond project in northwestern Russia, Archangel Diamond (AAD-V) is carrying out delineation drilling on the newly discovered kimberlite pipe 441.

The first hole of the evaluation program was collared 40 metres east and 80 metres north of the discovery hole, which returned 31 macrodiamonds and 152 micros from 85.41 kg of kimberlite material.

Hole 40 intersected the rim of the kimberlite crater from 72 to 91.2 metres.

A 112.7-kg sample, processed for macros only, yielded 13 stones (larger than 0.5 mm) weighing a total of 0.092 carat. Two of the diamonds exceeded 1 mm in at least one dimension.

A second hole (42) was collared 80 metres due south of hole 40 and intersected the crater facies, consisting of interbedded tuff breccia and sandstone, at a depth of 66.4 to 172.3 metres. Using gravity techniques, a 446-kg sample yielded 15 macros weighing 0.094 carat, with two of the stones measuring between 1 and 2 mm.

Thermochemical analysis on a separate, 3.6-kg sample, derived from weathered kimberlite at a depth of 172.3-173.7 metres, returned 6 macros weighing 0.022 carat, including two diamonds measuring between 1 and 2 mm. The stones are predominantly colorless octahedrons.

The pipe continues to be drilled. The third hole (43) was sited 100 metres northwest of hole 42 and intersected the crater facies from a depth of 71-199 metres before entering into kimberlite diatreme. The hole is scheduled to go to a depth of 450 metres, subject to drilling conditions.

A fourth hole (49) was collared 160 metres west of hole 42 and encountered the crater facies at a 74-metre depth; it is currently at 151 metres.

Drill-testing of at least six geophysical anomalies is also under way. The targets are in the same structural setting as the 441 pipe.

Archangel holds a 40% interest in the Verkhotina joint venture, with the state entity Arkhangelskgeologia holding a half interest and a private company holding the remaining 10%.