Infill drilling by
Hole 23 contained several strongly coloured, well-formed crystals, including faces measuring 17 by 12 mm, 23 by 9 mm, and 7 by 4 mm.
The find occurred in a 2.1-metre interval of meta-somatized phlogopite schist 158 metres below the surface. This latest hole was collared 70 metres east of hole 21, which intercepted emeralds in December 1999. Core from that hole has now been crushed and analyzed, with the total emerald weight in the 2.8-metre interval amounting to 176 carats. The largest crystals weighed 102 and 37 carats, though both crystals were cut by the diamond drill bit, rendering impossible a true measure of their size.
Seahawk expects to report the final emerald count and weight from hole 23 in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, despite heavy rains, the company plans to drill another 10 holes. The entire infill and stepout program is to consist of 21 holes, or 3,900 metres.
Seahawk, which intends to raise US$5 million in development financing, owns a 70% interest in the 312.6-ha property. The remainder i s held by a Brazilian company.
The Piteiras property is situated between two other emerald mines, Capoeirana and Belmont, 110 km east of Belo Horizonte.
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