More Than One Diamondiferous Source
May Be Present
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Karelian Diamond Resources plc (“Karelian”) (AIM: KDR, ESM:
KDRI), the diamond exploration company focused on Finland, is pleased to announce that results
from the mineral chemistry analyses carried out by the Geological
Survey of Finland show that the
right geochemical conditions exist to host diamonds in the
Riihivaara Kimberlite, which was recently discovered by the Company
in the Kuhmo area of Eastern
Finland.
The new results are significant in that they show that the
Riihivaara Kimberlite sampled a portion of the Earth’s mantle that
has a high potential to be diamondiferous.
A 20kg sample collected from the discovery pit shows positive
mineral chemistry results. These results were obtained from the
coarse (0.5 to 1.0mm) size fraction. Eclogitic garnets (including
Diamond indicator Group I type) are abundant (54% of the garnet
indicator minerals) in the sample. Group I eclogitic garnets tend
to be associated with diamonds. Similarly, G10 harzburgitic garnets
were also present in the sample and these are also associated with
the presence of diamonds.
The kimberlite chromite population in the sample shows a high
percentage (18%) of diamond inclusion type chromites indicating
that the kimberlite has a high potential to host diamonds.
Ilmenites discovered in the kimberlite indicate a good
preservation index. Results from the ilmenite analyses indicate
derivation from low oxidation mantle source rocks, which is
important for the growth and preservation of diamonds.
Geochemical and petrographic analyses confirm the kimberlite to
be an olivine-rich, micaceous kimberlite similar to the Company’s
diamondiferous Seitaperä Kimberlite.
Comparisons between the kimberlite indicator mineral populations
in the kimberlite sample and those previously observed in till
sampling show differences which may indicate additional
diamondiferous sources in the exploration area.
This release has been approved by Kevin McNulty PGeo, who is a
member of the Company's technical staff, who holds a BSc/MSc in
Geology and Remote Sensing, in accordance with the guidance note
for Mining, Oil & Gas Companies issued by the London Stock
Exchange in respect of AIM Companies, which outlines standards of
disclosure for mineral projects.
Professor Richard Conroy, Chairman commented:
“The sample results are excellent. The mineral
chemistry analyses carried out by the Geological Survey of
Finland are very encouraging and
show that the Riihivaara Kimberlite has high potential to be
diamondiferous. The results confirm that the geochemical
conditions exist for the area to host diamonds.”
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