Here is a copy of the news release..
The Company is pleased to announce that initial diamond results
from the Phase I minibulk sampling program conducted during the
winter have now been received. These encouraging results are
recorded below.
The Phase I program was designed to test most kimberlite targets
which had not yet been drilled, together with a few kimberlites
here previous drilling results were inconclusive. In addition, one
hole was drilled into kimberlite body 145 which appears to have
high potential. Each hole produced minibulk samples ranging in
theoretical total weight from 2.1 to 8.1 tonnes of kimberlite.
A suite of 8 kg. representative samples were taken for
diamond extraction by caustic dissolution at Lakefield
Research Ltd. laboratories of Lakefield, Ontario. When a
significant quantity and average size of diamonds are
recovered from the caustic dissolution samples, the
corresponding minibulk samples will be shipped to a
commercial laboratory for macrodiamond (greater than
1.00 mm) recovery by conventional techniques.
Diamonds were recovered by caustic dissolution of
samples from four of the first eight holes drilled during the
Phase I program. Under favourable geological conditions,
diamonds recovered from the caustic dissolution samples
can provide a qualitative indication of the potential diamond
grade for the kimberlite intersected in the drillholes. It
should also be noted that reliable forecasts of this grade will
require much larger samples than those tested to date.
Summary of Diamond Results for the Caustic
Dissolution Samples Collected During the 1996
Winter Drilling Program at the Fort a la Corne
Property
Actual
Diamonds Recovered* Normalized Diamonds
Kimberlite Sampled # Sampled Total
Stones >1.0 mm per 10 kg Sample
Body & Thickness of Mass
Total Weight
Drillhole # (metres) Samples (kg) Number Weight (carats)
Number Weight (carats) Number (carats)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
123-03 87.9 5 42.5 7 0.2756
1 0.2747 2 0.0648
145-05 158.2 7 60.0 13 0.0198
1 0.0171 2 0.0033
220-01 74.1 3 25.3 26 0.0147
1 0.0101 10 0.0058
223-01 63.9 4 33.8 7 0.0018
0 0.0000 2 0.0005
*includes microdiamonds and macrodiamonds. Weight was estimated
from measuring the three dimensions of individual diamonds.
Hole 123-03 contained a 0.2747 carat white and clear
macrodiamond that may be a fragment from a larger stone.
The results for hole 145-05 are consistent with earlier data.
Hole 220-01 was drilled into a previously untested
kimberlite. These coupled with previous results are of
significant interest and justify the planned minibulk sampling
program for macrodiamonds.
EXPLORATION PROGRAM
The spring portion of the Phase I drilling program is currently
being conducted by the joint venture. Some of these small
diameter drillholes will be located at previously drilled kimberlite
bodies, while the balance will test new targets. Sixteen holes have
now been successfully completed out of about 30 planned for the
Phase I program. Results will be announced as they become
available. During the summer, it is also planned to drill at least six
medium diameter holes to obtain comparatively larger minibulk
samples from the kimberlites with the greatest potential.
The Fort a la Corne Diamond Project is a joint venture between
Kensington Resources Ltd., Uranerz Exploration and Mining
Limited (operator), Cameco Corporation, and Monopros
Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of DeBeers. After the
Kensington earn-in period, each company will have a 25%
interest in the project.
On Behalf Of The Board Of Directors Of Kensington
Resources Ltd.
G. Clive Newall
President
The Vancouver Stock Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. |
