SI
SI
discoversearch

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor.  We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community.  If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.
Gold/Mining/Energy : SOUTHERNERA (t.SUF)
 Public ReplyPrvt ReplyMark as Last ReadFilePrevious 10Next 10PreviousNext  
To: Elizabeth Andrews who wrote (6167)8/22/2000 1:53:17 PM
From: teevee  Read Replies (1) of 7235
 
Elizabeth,

If the rate of erosion is as you suggest then shouldn't there be alluvial diamond deposits like other cratons that host diamondiferous pipes and dykes?

An interesting question and one I have considered from time to time. The crater and diatreme facies of most pipes were eroded well before glaciation. Glaciation destroyed the alluvial deposits that must have existed at one time. Since post-glacial isostatic rebound of the craton, ancient master drainages have re-established themselves (ie. the coppermine and back river drainages). To my knowledge, elevated strands on the artic coast line have been sampled for alluvial diamonds.

Where else might one look? Could there be remnants of preglacial thalwegs preserved in these exhumed pre-glacial drainages? Are there buried pre-glacial tributary thalwegs hidden under glacial drift cover? These could be very attractive exploration targets as any pre-glacial thalweg remnants or tributaries along master drainages with kimberlite fields in the head lands could be extremely rich diamond bearing alluvials. Certain sections of some of these drainages appear to have been incised deep enough to provide some protection from glacial scour, especially where perpendicular to ice direction.

Eskers and ice direction suggest another possible target are recent alluvials derived from reworked tills and outwash along the MacKenzie drainage.

Interestingly, before Diamet made the initial discovery announcement, Chuck Fipke successfully had the staking regulations ammended so that hard rock mineral claims also acquire placer or alluvial tenure. Without such ammendment, other parties may have staked placer or alluvial claims over the pipes, hoping to have a lawyer argue the interpretation of the regulations based upon the notion that reworked kimberlite tuffs in a crater facies lake could be considered an exotic type of paleo alluvial diamond deposit:-)).

regards,
teevee
Report TOU ViolationShare This Post
 Public ReplyPrvt ReplyMark as Last ReadFilePrevious 10Next 10PreviousNext  

HomeMailHotSubjectMarksPeopleMarksKeepersSettings
Terms Of UseContact UsCopyright/IP PolicyPrivacy PolicyAbout UsFAQAdvertise on SI
© 2025 Knight Sac Media.  Data provided by Twelve Data, Alpha Vantage, and CityFALCON News