To: Tomato who wrote (1606 ) 11/7/1998 5:26:00 PM From: teevee Read Replies (2) | Respond to of 2251
Hi Tomato, 1. Colored stones are more valuable only if they are deeply colored and inclusion free. For example Capes(off white to pale yellow stones are worth less money, as are stones with a pale greenish tint etc. it is my understanding that off color tints are a hard sell). 2. If the 200 tonne sample was from a kimberlite pipe, I would be concerned about repeatability of results as grades within a kimberlite pipe are usually highly variable. As one of the characteristics of a cone sheet is compositional uniformity within any one sheet, I believe that the results to date were not a fluke, however, the best way to prove grade to the naysayers is to take a 5000 tonne and preferably a 10000 tonne bulk sample (Hell, the bulk should more than pay for the cost of taking and processing it anyways).As I stated before, I believe the micro-macro counts from the 70 or so drill holes will help guide where to take the bulk. With results from the bulk in hand, and micro-macro counts form all drill core, this should provide ever increasing confidence for grade prediction and planning future exploration/development. 3. I would think that we will have to wait for freeze up and the winter road for commencement of more exploration. I guess that this winters program would entail:a)bulk sample b)further delineation of the cone sheet(s) c) a drill hole or two looking for a pipe d)additional drill testing of other targets on their land package. 4. I would think that establishing much greater tonnage would lead to a scoping study(s) at higher production rates (say 3000-5000 tonnes per day). Obviously, this would impact capital costs, and likely provide some efficiencies of scale on operating costs etc). There-you have my opinions and answers. I hope this is of some help. regards,