Arctic Star Exploration Corp (CVE:ADD) has started its diamond exploration program on its Timantti diamond project in Finland.
The company said ground geophysics will be conducted over the area of the 243 hectare exploration permit, which contains the diamondiferous Black and White Wolf kimberlites.
The ground-based, magnetic, gravity and electro-magnetic surveys are designed to help define the shape and size of the Wolf kimberlites, as well as to detect possible new kimberlite-like anomalies within the area for drill testing.
Programme to involve around 8 holes
Arctic Star said 20 backhoe till samples would be taken in the near vicinity of the Wolf kimberlites to identify potential drill targets based on diamond indicator mineral results.
The proposed drill program will comprise roughly eight holes including the two Wolf kimberlites.
A 500 kilogram (kg) drill core sample will be taken from each of the Wolf bodies for caustic fusion analysis. Any additional kimberlite-like targets identified from the ground geophysics will be drilled at this time where appropriate.
Arctic Star said if new kimberlites are found, these will also be further tested to give caustic fusion diamond results.
"The assay results demonstrate that the Wolf Kimberlites have significant micro-diamond counts comparable in number to those found in economic kimberlites. The current drill program is designed to significantly boost the size of the sample, at which stage the company should have an estimate on the size and the grade of the diamonds, and allow us to make a decision to proceed to bulk sampling," said Buddy Doyle, vice president of exploration at Arctic Star.
The Timantti diamond project is wholly-owned by Arctic Star. The project is located about 450 kilometres north-west of the operating Grib diamond mine in Russia.
The project benefits from excellent infrastructure and exploration activity can be conducted all year-round.