In a nutshell, news is very encouraging. Why?
1. The Renard 2 grade was not expected to be anywhere close to one carat a ton.. As a matter of fact, if you remove the MINI Bulk from Feb 2004(13 ton, using a .85mesh ), the bulk grade is over 1 carat per ton using a 1.18mesh.
2. Ashton has exceeded its objective target to date, on extracting 300 carats. Current parcel is 428 carats.
3. The accumulative from Renard 2,3,4, and 65 grade on the 577 ton works out to approx 75 cpht...
4. Size distribution on Renard 2 looks impressive.
5. 13 Renard 2 stones over 1 carat, including 2 over 2 carats..(Renard 3 had a total of 9 stones over 1 ct, and 3 from the 9 were over 2ct...
6. 5 of 6 holes terminated at 195meter, and still in kimberlite... suggesting pipes can go to depths of between 250-300 meters...Walls are not typical cones. Therefore, the tonnage estimate can be higher then originally projected.
7. The 3 largest stones at Renard 2 are not clear, however the word "pale" is mentioned speculating that some of the grey and brown can be eliminated with acid. Yellow diamond also found.
8. The 1.87 stone is a breakage of a larger stone. Spoke to Ashton and speculating the 1.87 is not a full stone.
By the end of the month, Renard 4 and Renard 65 results will be out. These are the two largest pipes, and the lowest grade. However, both have confirmed large stones. Renard 2/3 can be a starter pit and generate enough cash to break even. Speculation is Renard 4 or 65 remaining counts may increase the pipe grade. Tonnage estimate will be out by endof March, valuations in early April... April will also have results from the 10 ton batch from teh Lynx dyke.. (south and north) reported DMS results at 1.2 cpt was from the central part of Lynx... Finally, Ashton will start drilling new anomolies in late March\early April.. Itwill drill approx. TEN... five within the complex Lynx and five outside Lynx/Renard... FYI, check out the map at the new revised web site. www.ashton.ca. Quebec is looking hot, and if Dios hits a pipe, it should attract a fair amount of attention....regards.....Frank |
