All: I for one think Ashton's results to date have been wonderful. It seems many
here expect proof by a mine only. By that time Ashton's shareprice will be only a
woulda coulda shoulda.
Diamond exploration is slow and often dissappointing. Ashton has had amazing
speed (good fortune mixed w/ expertise) in finding many kimberlites, and diamonds--
terrific progress!
IMhO, Ashton/Pure Gold foresee a mine here.
But, yes, it's one step at a time, but FOR THE STAGE WE'RE AT, things
look mighty bright! -No less. There is a growing number of targets
yet to be drilled, probably in the hundreds now. :^)
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I submit these figures for review (as were partially posted by John M.
here a couple weeks ago):
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TABLE 5 - COMPARISON OF SELECTED MAJOR KIMBERLITE PIPES*
Kimberlite Pipe/ Area Carats/ US$/ US$/ Tonnes Diamonds Gross Value
Location (Hectares) tonne carat tonne (mlns.) (mln.cts.) US$M (Est.)
Camafuca, Angola 160 0.25 $100-$150 $25-$38 ?? ?? ??
Mwsdui, Tanzania 146 0.20 $85 $17 143 29 $2,431
Orapa, Botswana 107 0.68 $50 $34 104 71 $3,536
Catoca, Angola 66 0.46 $60 $28 65 30 $1,794
Jwaneng, Botswana 54 1.37 $110 $151 136 186 $20,495
Premier, South Africa 32 0.48 $70 $34 82 39 $2,755
Udachnya, Russia 20 1.12 $90 $101 49 45 $4,939
Venetia, South Africa 13 1.28 $80 $102 32 41 $3,277
NOTE: Camafuca grades and values are current estimates.
Source: Gems and Gemology, Spring 1996, and TDSI estimates.
___________________________________________________________
*From TD Securities SUF write-up, 9/18/97
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G'luck to all,
-J
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