Drilling Results
14 February 2003 - 1:30AM
UK Regulatory
RNS Number:4575H
Mano River Resources Inc
13 February 2003
Mano River Resources Inc.
NEWS RELEASE
13 February 2003
No: 2003/04
TSX Venture Exchange (TSX-V) Trading Symbol: MNO
London Stock Exchange (AIM) Trading Symbol: MANA
MANO DISCOVERS EIGHT NEW KIMBERLITE DYKES AND RECOVERS FURTHER MACRODIAMONDS IN
SIERRA LEONE
* Eight additional kimberlite dyke discoveries, designated Lion-3 to
Lion-10
* Macrodiamond recovered from Lion-4 kimberlite dyke sample
* 3 and 15 further macrodiamonds recovered from Lion-1 and Lion-2
samples
* Diamond found in loam sample, results indicate probable additional
kimberlites
Mano River Resources Inc, the AIM and TSX-V listed diamond and gold exploration
company, has received further very encouraging results from a diamond
exploration programme within it's two Exclusive Prospecting Licences (EPLs) in
the Kono diamond district of Sierra Leone.
Samples Results from Lion-1 to Lion-4:
As part of the kimberlite dyke evaluation programme Mano geologists collected a
series of small (30kg) grab samples for diamond indicator microprobe analysis
from the Lion-1, 2, 3 and 4 dykes. A number of diamonds were recovered, which
included 15 macrodiamonds from Lion-2, 3 macrodiamonds from Lion-1 and a single
macrodiamond from Lion-4. This is very significant due to the relatively small
size of the samples taken. The diamonds were weighed and described by John
Gurney's Mineral Services laboratory in Cape Town, the complete results of which
are shown in Table 1.
Mano's CEO, Dr Tom Elder comments: "The excellent garnet mineral chemistry and
recovery of macrodiamonds from relatively small samples along strike of the
previous Lion-1 and Lion-2 kimberlite samples confirms Mano's belief that these
dykes, which have been mapped discontinuously over distances of 5km and 6km
respectively, represent potentially economic diamond resources. The rapid
discovery of a further eight dykes is also very encouraging as is the recovery
of a macrodiamond from a sample of Lion-4. Furthermore it is clear from
assessment of the results to date from Mano's advance exploration work that
there is a high probability that a number of other kimberlites in this field
remain to be discovered, which could add substantially to any future resource
base".
A selection of garnets from Lion-1, 2, 3 and 4 have been subjected to microprobe
analysis to determine their respective diamond potential. A large number of
garnets are classified as G10 in affinity, which suggests that the dykes are
likely to be significantly diamondiferous. Lion-5 to Lion-10 remain to be
sampled for diamond content.
Loam Sample Results:
Results for 464 loam samples collected over high interest stream sample
anomalies have been received and suggest that additional kimberlites are likely
within the sampled blocks. During the sampling programme a number of kimberlite
dykes were discovered in artisanal diamond workings and these have been
designated Lion-3 through to Lion-10.
Background Technical Information:
In summary, the recent Kono exploration programme highlights are as follows: -
* The Lion-1 kimberlite dyke has been mapped discontinuously along
strike for approximately 5km. As previously reported a mini-bulk sample of 1.7t
yielded 22 diamonds weighing 1.1carats for a minimum grade of 64.7cpht (see Mano
news release dated 3rd February 2003, http://www.manoriver.com/news/nr03/
nr0303_03feb.pdf)
* The Lion-2 kimberlite dyke has been mapped discontinuously for 6km and
three small 30kg grab samples yielded a total of 17 macrodiamonds
* Eight further kimberlite dykes have been identified elsewhere
throughout the EPLs, designated the Lion-3 to Lion-10 occurrences, all of which
have reportedly been exploited for diamonds at surface by artisans
* Garnet mineral chemistry from the Lion-1 to Lion-4 kimberlites is of a
high interest nature. Mano geologists consider the Lion-3 data to be even better
than that of Lion-1
* Float samples of diatreme facies kimberlite, suggestive of an
undiscovered pipe or blow, have previously been found and a stream sample
collected in the suspected source area returned abundant ilmenite and supporting
garnet. A number of these garnets are classified as G10 in composition after
probing
* Two loam blocks covering high interest stream sample anomalies have
been sampled and the results received. Abundant garnet, and ilmenite with
supporting chromite, chrome diopside and diamond suggest that additional
kimberlites will be discovered
Based on the results received to date Mano will embark on an aggressive
follow-up exploration programme that will, subject to financing, entail further
mini-bulk sampling of Lion-1 to 4. This programme may also include a detailed
airborne geophysical programme to fast track delineation of any further
kimberlites and assist in the mapping of their extents.
On behalf of the Board of Mano River Resources Inc.
Tom Elder
President and CEO
For further information on Mano River Resources and its exploration programme,
you are invited to visit the Company's website at www.manoriver.com or contact
one of the following:
Tom Elder President and CEO UK +44 (0) 1235 810 740
Guy Pas Co-Chairman Switzerland +41 22 758 2151
Anthony Rhatigan Co-Chairman Mobile +44 (0) 7785 297 348
Raz Hussein Controller Canada +1 (604) 689 1700
Hugo de Salis St Brides Media & Finance UK +44 (0) 20 7242 4477
The Toronto Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not take responsibility
for the adequacy or accuracy of this release
Table 1 Description of diamonds recovered from Lion-1, Lion-2 & Lion-4 kimberlite dykes
Kimberlite Sample Diamond Form Morphology Weight Colour Colour Clarity X (mm) Y (mm)
Number (mg) Intensity
Lion-1 50204 1 B Octahedron 0.40 White 0 2 0.700 0.650
Lion-1 50216 1 B Octahedron 0.08 Grey 1 2 0.650 0.500
Lion-1 50204 2 B Octahedron 0.35 White 0 2 0.900 0.750
Lion-2 50213 1 B Octahedron 3.13 Brown 1 2 1.975 1.600
Lion-2 50011 2 B Octahedron 0.28 Brown 1 3 0.750 0.750
Lion-2 50211 2 B Fragment 0.41 White 0 2 1.050 0.625
Lion-2 50213 2 B Dodecahedon 3.05 White 0 3 1.700 1.400
Lion-2 50211 3 B Fragment 0.17 White 0 2 0.750 0.675
Lion-2 50213 3 B Dodecahedron 0.69 White 0 2 1.150 1.025
Lion-2 50211 4 B Fragment 0.32 Brown 1 2 1.000 0.750
Lion-2 50213 4 B Dodecahedron 0.34 Brown 1 2 0.875 0.700
Lion-2 50211 5 B Octahedron 0.23 White 0 2 0.700 0.450
Lion-2 50213 5 B Dodecahedron 0.59 Brown 1 2 1.450 0.650
Lion-2 50211 6 B Octahedron 0.12 White 0 3 0.500 0.475
Lion-2 50211 7 B Octahedron 0.12 Brown 1 2 0.600 0.525
Lion-2 50211 8 B Octahedron 0.22 Brown 1 3 0.800 0.500
Lion-2 50211 9 B Octahedron 0.14 White 0 2 0.525 0.500
Lion-2 50211 10 B Fragment 0.05 White 0 2 0.700 0.375
Lion-4 50206 1 B Fragment 0.30 White 0 3 0.800 0.650
Clarity
0 No inclusions or cleavages and stone is perfectly clear.
1