High Diamond Counts on Amaruk
A 96.91 kilogram sample from the WMC kimberlite float occurrence yielded 148 diamonds. In addition to the high diamond count of nearly 15 stones per 10 kilograms, the diamond size sieve data also demonstrates a favourable diamond size distribution for the WMC kimberlite float occurrence. The diamond size frequency data for the six kimberlite samples are shown in Table 1.
Table 1: Diamond Sieve Sizes
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+ 0.85 + .600 + .425 + .300 +.212 +.150 +.105
Sample Kgs mm mm mm mm mm mm mm TOTAL
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WMC 96.91 1 2 0 8 23 60 54 148
WCA 167.91 0 6 6 8 27 39 64 150
WA1 134.06 0 0 3 2 7 17 16 45
WA2 96.55 0 0 0 2 8 14 30 54
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U-SW 362.69 0 1 3 8 10 41 43 106
U-NE 239.08 0 0 2 4 14 18 23 61
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All kimberlite analyzed to date in the 75 kilometre wide central kimberlite field on Amaruk have proven to be diamondiferous. These results are very positive and demonstrate the ability of the Amaruk kimberlite to carry high diamond counts and favourable diamond size distributions. It is also noteworthy that at this early stage, a very high proportion of the diamonds recovered are classified as intact, well preserved, white, transparent octahedrons, dodecahedrons or fragments with defined crystal faces. The dimensional measurements for a selection of the largest diamonds for all kimberlite float occurrences are shown in Table 2.
Mark Kolebaba, President of Diamonds North stated; "The value added to the Amaruk project in such a short period of time is amazing; the project has very positive diamond results, multiple kimberlite occurrences and compelling mineral chemistry. All of this has been discovered before we have even put a drill on the property."
Table 2: Largest Stones from Float Occurrences (measurements in mm) -------------------------------------------------------------------- Sample X Y Z Sample X Y Z Sample X Y Z -------------------------------------------------------------------- WMC 1.10 1.05 0.95 WCA 1.11 0.97 0.72 WA1 0.60 0.51 0.48 -------------------------------------------------------------------- WMC 1.08 0.85 0.75 WCA 1.23 0.91 0.67 WA1 0.74 0.57 0.43 -------------------------------------------------------------------- WMC 1.25 0.75 0.78 WCA 1.08 1.08 0.30 WA1 0.74 0.57 0.49 -------------------------------------------------------------------- WMC 0.55 0.43 0.43 WCA 0.97 0.80 0.72 WA2 0.51 0.48 0.33 -------------------------------------------------------------------- WMC 0.75 0.50 0.33 WCA 0.86 0.77 0.71 WA2 0.54 0.48 0.21 --------------------------------------------------------------------
More than 23 kilometres east of the WMC showing, 167.91 kilograms of kimberlite material was collected from the WCA kimberlite float occurrence which returned a total of 150 diamonds, 20 of which are classified as macrodiamonds measuring 0.5 millimetres or greater in at least one dimension. The largest stones are shown in Table 2.
WA1, which is 17 kilometres west of the WMC showing, yielded six macrodiamonds and WA2 (approximately 2 kilometres from WA1) yielded two macrodiamonds measuring 0.5 millimetres in at least one direction. Although these two samples yielded more modest diamond counts, the presence of coarser diamonds further supports the diamond potential of the region.
Umingmak
Umingmak is the first in-situ kimberlite discovered in the region. Diamond results from Umingmak indicate the presence of larger diamonds. More exploration is warranted on the Umingmak kimberlite due to its tonnage potential and the fact that large portions of the body have not yet been tested including what could be a different phase.
Based on magnetic surveying and geochemical sampling, the Umingmak kimberlite may be at least 275 metres by 120 metres in size (more than 3 hectares). Variations in magnetic signature support the possibility for multiple phases.
The 362.69 kilogram (U-SW) and 239.08 kilogram (U-NE) samples yielded a total of 106 and 61 diamonds respectively. Of the combined total of 167 diamonds recovered from the two Umingmak samples, seven stones classify as macrodiamonds based on at least one dimensional measurement greater than 0.5 millimetres. Six of the largest stones are listed below in Table 3. The two Umingmak samples are from two limited surface exposures located approximately 50 metres apart. Although there is a subtle lithological variation between the two exposures, the diamond content is similar.
Table 3: Largest Stones from Umingmak Combined (measurement in mm) ---------------- X Y Z ---------------- 1.00 0.78 0.38 ---------------- 0.88 0.68 0.41 ---------------- 0.74 0.66 0.66 ---------------- 0.71 0.71 0.37 ---------------- 0.77 0.51 0.52 ---------------- 0.53 0.70 0.38 ----------------
The Amaruk project now comprises more than 5 million acres of claims and permits held wholly by Diamonds North. Exploration work for 2006 is currently being planned and plans include drilling high priority targets, additional prospecting and geophysical surveying. Till sample data and detailed airborne geophysics will be used to identify the bedrock source of the kimberlite float occurrences and to prioritize targets for drilling.
Kimberlite samples were shipped to SGS Lakefield Laboratory for caustic fusion. Diamond analysis was performed by both SGS Lakefield and Mineral Services Ltd.
Bruce Kienlen (P.Geol) and Graham Gill (P. Geo) are Diamonds North's qualified persons involved in the planning of the upcoming program and for reviewing the data for the project.
Diamonds North is a dynamic successful exploration team focused on strategically advancing diamond opportunities and is determined to discover Canada's next diamond mine.
On behalf of Diamonds North Resources Ltd.
Mark Kolebaba
President & CEO
For further information, please contact:
Corporate Communications: Nancy Curry
Diamonds North Resources Ltd.
Telephone:
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Website: www.diamondsnorth.com
Email:
The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Statements in this press release, other than purely historical information, including statements relating to the Company's future plans and objectives or expected results, may include forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on numerous assumptions and are subject to all of the risks and uncertainties inherent in resource exploration and development. As a result, actual results may vary materially from those described in the forward-looking statements.