Untapped Canadian pipe could hold 16.3 million carats

In an undeveloped area of its Ekati mine, Dominion Diamond Corporation has found a projected 16.3 million carats of diamonds.

The area, known as the Leslie pipe, yielded 224 carats from about 680 tonnes of kimberlite. The company has estimated an average rough price of $85 per carat from the resource, which may eventually rise to $120 per carat.

Currently, Leslie is its highest-priority area for exploration at Ekati.The Leslie pipe is especially promising, as it lies very close to the rest of the mine’s infrastructure.

“Our renewed focus on exploration is generating strong results along the entire project pipeline, reflecting near-, mid- and longer-term potential,” adds Jim Gowans, chairman of Dominion.

Author: Canadian Jeweller Magazine Staff

Canadian Jeweller Magazine Staff is the shared byline for reporting filed by the magazine's editorial desk. Founded in 1879, Canadian Jeweller is the longest running jewellery business publication in Canada, covering market reporting, retail strategy, watches, diamonds, coloured gemstones and the commerce of the Canadian jewellery trade. Work published under this byline is edited and verified by the Canadian Jeweller editorial team in Toronto.