Photo by: Duane Daws
JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – Aim-listed Stellar Diamonds on Tuesday reported that bulk sampling as part of the definitive feasibility study (DFS) at its 1.1-million-carat Tongo kimberlite dyke project, in Sierra Leone, continued to yield high grades and exceptional-quality diamonds.
Bulk sampling at the project’s Dyke 1 has delivered 2 150 t of material to date, with processing having started in mid-January, using the company’s 5 t/h dense media separation plant on site.
Processing to date had yielded 551.6 ct at an average grade of 126.3 ct/t, and stones up to 6.7 ct in size were recovered.
“The results from the ongoing bulk sampling programme are excellent and continue to underscore the high-grade nature of the Tongo Dyke 1 kimberlite. The presence of larger gemstones bode well for the diamond valuation, which will be undertaken as part of the DFS that is on track for delivery towards the end of 2014,” Stellar CE Karl Smithson said.
He added that the company’s bulk-sampling programme would continue with the objective of recovering a parcel of at least 1 000 ct for diamond grade and value modelling on the current resource.