Mountain completes Gahcho Kué Drilling
Mountain Province Diamonds announces full drilling results from the exploration program recently completed in the Southwest Corridor area of the Gahcho Kué mine site. The Southwest Corridor area lies between the 5034 and Hearne pipes, and in the course of mining activity has been recognized as containing diamondiferous kimberlite that is not included in the project resource statements.
The exploration drill program in the Southwest Corridor, originally planned for 17 holes and subsequently increased to 18 holes, was based on a 50 metre by 50 metre spacing plan and was commenced in November 2017. A total of 15 holes were designed to cross-cut the projected south westward extension of kimberlite from the 5034 pipe that would likely be included in the Gahcho Kué mine plan.
Another two holes were directed down-dip and along strike of the kimberlite body to define the internal geology and to maximize metres of drilled kimberlite for micro diamond sample collection. A final cross-cutting hole, designed to test the extension of the unit at a depth of 275 metres, did not intercept kimberlite.
A summary of the results from all completed holes is provided as follows:
Based on field core logging, the kimberlitic zone is comprised of two facies: a kimberlite unit, and a kimberlite granite breccia. See the appendices to the news release posted on the Company’s website for drill plots and additional information regarding intercept composition. Analysis of the results of the drill program, including diamond sample assessment, is expected to be completed in mid 2018, with the goal of estimating a resource for the Southwest Corridor area for incorporation into the Gahcho Kué mine plan.
A follow-up drill program has recently commenced, the objectives of which are to: 1. Test potential extensions to the Hearne pipe, particularly between the north and south lobes. Initial results of the program have confirmed the presence of kimberlite at depth between the north and south lobes of Hearne, and drilling at Hearne will continue through April.
2. Drill test the corridor between 5034 and Tuzo. The North Pipe kimberlite, which lies within that corridor and comprises part of the 5034 inferred resources, is open in all directions for expansion. Initial results of the program have confirmed the presence of kimberlite at depth between the North Pipe and the northeast lobe of the 5034 pipe, and drilling in the 5034-Tuzo corridor is expected to continue into summer.
3. Drill test the ground gravity target between Tesla and Tuzo.
