North Arrow Bulk Sample Results Show Yellow Diamond Population is Real

North Arrow Minerals Inc. (TSXV:NAR) released an update on the processing of a bulk sample from its Nunavut-based Qilalugaq diamond project, noting that initial diamond recovery data from about 46 percent of the sample has been compiled. It includes 5,366 diamonds over +1 DTC weighing 189.97 carats from 609 dry tonnes of kimberlite.

As quoted in the press release:

The recovered diamonds include 17 diamonds larger than the 3 grainer (~0.6 carat) size and 8 diamonds larger than 1 carat. The largest three diamonds recovered to date are 4.42 carats (greenish yellow cubic aggregate), 4.16 carats (intense yellow cubic aggregate), and 3.53 carats (pale yellow cubic aggregate). Yellow diamonds, representing a range of hues and tones, comprise approximately 8.5% by stone count (21.4% by carat weight) of the +1 DTC diamonds recovered to date.

The release also states:

The approximately 1,500 tonne sample (field weight) was collected in July and August 2014 from the Q1-4 kimberlite located just nine kilometres from the Hamlet of Repulse Bay (Naujaat), Nunavut. The sample is being processed for the recovery of commercial sized (+0.85 mm) diamonds and the resulting diamond parcel will be used to provide an indication of Q1-4’s overall diamond value as well as the sample’s diamond content, size distribution and to establish whether or not a population of yellow diamonds seen in earlier-stage sampling persists into the larger diamond sizes.

Ken Armstrong, president and CEO of North Arrow, commented:

These initial diamond results are important as they clearly show that the yellow diamond population in the Q1-4 kimberlite is real and that yellow diamonds carry on into the grainer and carater diamond sizes. In fact, the proportion of yellow diamonds increases, both by stone count and carat weight, as the diamonds move into the larger size classifications. This was one of the main questions the bulk sample was intended to answer. Overall diamond recoveries to date are in line with expectations for the sampled area of the kimberlite and we look forward to completing final processing of the sample in April and submitting the resultant diamond parcel for formal valuation.

Click here to read the full North Arrow Minerals Inc. (TSXV:NAR) press release.
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