Amaruk Update - Microdiamond Characteristics Exceptional =======================================================================
VANCOUVER, May 9th, 2006 - Diamonds North Resources Ltd. (TSX-V: DDN) reports exceptionally positive characteristics of microdiamonds from the Amaruk property in Nunavut. A high percentage of the microdiamonds are white or colorless, in favourable crystal forms and of high clarity. This data further demonstrates the economic potential of the Amaruk property. Drill targets are currently being prioritized and a drill program for 2006 will be released shortly.
Microdiamonds from the Umingmak kimberlite pipe and WMC kimberlite float occurrence were submitted to Mineral Services Canada Inc., an independent consultant, for a complete description of the physical characteristics of each diamond submitted. Mineral Services has extensive experience working with microdiamond data from many exploration projects and mines worldwide including the Ekati Diamond Mine. A summary of the colour, form, and clarity of the Umingmak and WMC mircodiamonds (209 diamonds) as reported by Mineral Services is provided below:
"This set of microdiamonds has an unusually positive overall appearance...
Colour
The lack of colour in the diamonds is absolutely exceptional. All except two stones have been classified as colourless and the remaining two are a pale shade of brown. This is extremely unusual and has no parallel in the Mineral Services records.
Shape
Over 75% of the stones show octahedral crystal morphology. With the exception of a single cube the rest of the diamonds that have identifiable shapes are tetrahexahedra, with just under 10% classified as unassignable fragments. This proportion of fragments is unusually low and the absence of cubes is a positive sign since cubes rarely have a high commercial value. A little more than 15% of the diamonds have shapes that suggest that diamond yield in the polishing process will be excellent, whilst another 81% will have reasonably good yield characteristics as their shapes suggest that if they where larger they would fall into the sawable category. The proportion of broken stones is low and the proportion of aggregates at 15% is not particularly high. Both macles and interpenetrant twins are more common than average.
Clarity
The diamonds are also of exceptionally high clarity, 85% being essentially clean and there is also a complete absence of stones with very poor clarity characteristics (i.e. 4's or 5's in the classification scheme). Ninety-seven percent of the diamonds are transparent and are therefore essentially inclusion and fracture free. Only 14 frosted diamonds were identified and only one fibrous diamond is present. Coated stones are entirely absent.
Overall these characteristics are excellent and if carried through into a macrodiamond population, the diamonds would be of high average value. The lack of colour, generally satisfactory shapes and the absence of fractures and inclusions are very positive features.
Summary
The microdiamonds recovered from these two samples have excellent characteristics. The proportion of white stones is absolutely outstanding, as is the proportion of stones without inclusions or fractures. In general, diamond shapes are good. The absence of cubes is another positive, as is the low proportion of aggregates. The relatively high proportion of twins is a negative, but their relative abundance is not sufficiently high to be a dominant factor.
If the overall characteristics of these microdiamonds carry through to the macrodiamond population and the size distribution of the macrodiamonds is satisfactory, then the average value per carat for diamonds from this body should be high."
Mineral Services Canada Inc. (2006) Physical Characteristics of Microdiamonds Recovered From Samples NA 13008 and NA13015, Amaruk Property, Nunavut, 14 pages.
To view a selection of photos of the Amaruk diamonds, please visit the following link on the Company's website; diamondsnorthresources.com
Diamonds North's diamond results previously released for the WMC kimberlite sample in particular, demonstrate favourable diamond counts and size distribution. A 96 kg sample yielded 148 diamonds with stones remaining on the 0.85mm mesh (News Release February 2, 2006). These results combined with the favourable diamond descriptions demonstrates that Diamonds North's exploration target, i.e. high grade kimberlites with higher than average value diamonds is realistic on the Amaruk property.
President of Diamonds North, Mark Kolebaba summarizes "Every kimberlite sample from the Pelly Bay region submitted for caustic fusion to date has yielded diamonds. Based on recent high diamond counts and these very promising microdiamond characteristics, I believe that this could be one of the most significant diamond discoveries since Lac de Gras in the Slave Province."
Drill targets on Amaruk are currently being evaluated and planning for the 2006 exploration program is well underway.
Bruce Kienlen (P.Geol) and Graham Gill (P. Geo) are Diamonds North's qualified persons reviewing the data for these projects.
Diamonds North is a dynamic successful exploration team focused on strategically advancing diamond opportunities and is determined to discover Canada's next diamond mine.
On behalf of Diamonds North Resources Ltd.
Mark Kolebaba
President & CEO
For further information, please contact:
Corporate Communications: Nancy Curry
Diamonds North Resources Ltd.
Telephone: (604) 689-2010
Facsimile: (604) 484-7143
Website: www.diamondsnorth.com
Email: info@diamondsnorth.com
The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Statements in this press release, other than purely historical information, including statements relating to the Company's future plans and objectives or expected results, may include forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on numerous assumptions and are subject to all of the risks and uncertainties inherent in resource exploration and development. As a result, actual results may vary materially from those described in the forward-looking statements.
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Copyright (c) 2006 DIAMONDS NORTH RESOURCES LTD. (DDN) All rights reserved. For more information visit our website at diamondsnorth.com or send mailto:info@diamondsnorth.com |
