Star Diamond Corporation has announced that Rio Tinto Exploration Canada Inc. (RTEC) has completed an HQ core drilling and sonic programme, consisting of three core drill holes at Star and 23 holes at Orion South; and about 2,326.5 metres of sonic overburden drilling from three holes at Star and 21 holes at Orion South.

“In total 3,976.52 metres of kimberlite were intersected from 7,056.00 metres of core drilling,” Star Diamond said.

Core drilling is necessary as it helps “to accurately document the internal stratigraphy” of the kimberlites. The drilling at the Star and Orion South Kimberlites was undertaken in preparation for RTEC’s bulk sampling with the Trench Cutter Sampling Rig.

The Corporation has intimated that in conjunction with this diamond drill programme, geotechnical investigations of the overburden are currently being conducted -- using a sonic drill rig – at the same locations as the core drilling.  

Senior Vice President Exploration and Development, George Read, commented: “This core and geotechnical drilling programme is an important precursor to RTEC’s bulk sampling with the Trench Cutter Sampling Rig scheduled to commence once the warmer weather arrives. The selected locations of these core holes on the Star and Orion South Kimberlites will act as pilot holes for the upcoming programme. Core hole FALCOSG008 intersected one of the feeder vents of the Orion South Kimberlite and drilled 449.48 metres of kimberlite before terminating at a total depth of 562.37 metres below surface in dolomite country rock. This deep intersection of kimberlite is consistent with the Orion South geological model prepared by Star Diamond geologists.”