Sophie responded to GT's questions/requests that I e-mailed to her as follows:
As per our press release, dated January 15th, 1999, details of an independent diamond audit, conducted by Dr. Malcolm McCallum, were announced. All evaluations of the stones have been from independent experts. The January 15 and January 26 press releases disclose in detail, all pertinent information regarding the stones todate. In the Management Discussion of the company's last financial statement, the bulk-sampling and it's "chain of custody" is outlined The Quarterly is as of September 30, 1998 and has been in the public domain since the quarterly was filed, November 27, 1998.
I quote:
" Winspear obtained 100 tonnes of NW kimberlite dyke material from each of two sites about 235 metres apart for a total of 200 tonnes. This material was flown to Yellowknife for treatment in Daivik's kimberlite processing plant. Diavik personnel, under Diavik's security procedures operated the plant. One consultant acting on Winspear's behalf together with a Winspear employee experienced in diamond identification / sorting were also involved during the sample processing. Brinks transported diamonds recovered from processing this sample directly to Antwerp where three independent valuers recommended by our joint venture partner valued them".
As for clarity, cleavage, transparency - I'm not sure what you're asking. Cleavage is not a term applied to rough diamonds, to "cleave" a diamond is to start the cutting or faceting process and we haven't got to that stage yet! As for clarity/transparency, the fact some of the diamonds have been described as "gem" illustrates that the desirable charachteristics (clarity, colour, carat ) are present.
Dave M |
