VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / July 6, 2021 / Margaret Lake Diamonds Inc. ("MLD" or the "Company") (TSXV:DIA) (FKT:M85) (OTC PINK:DDIAF) is pleased to announce Arctic Star Exploration Corp. has received the first diamond results from its Spring drilling program where 5 new kimberlites were discovered. The first results are from the Sequoia kimberlite complex and are described below in table 1.
Table 1. Caustic Fusion Results, Sequoia Kimberlite
| Drill hole | 0.105mm | 0.15mm | 0.212mm | 0.3mm | 0.425mm | 0.6mm | 0.85mm | Weight Kg | Total stones | Stones/100kg |
| DG2021-04 | 122 | 47 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 221.75 | 191 | 86 |
| DG2021-05 | 24 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 70.85 | 33 | 47 |
| Sequoia Total | 146 | 54 | 11 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 292.60 | 224 | 76 |
Notes on the results: The kimberlite was sent to SRC laboratories of Saskatoon by chain of custody. SRC is an independent laboratory that is SCC accredited, ISO/IEC 17025. The samples are assayed using the caustic fusion process, where up to 8-kilogram samples are fused in a kiln containing caustic soda at temperatures of >500oC. The hot residue is then poured through sieves and the remaining material is then chemically treated to reduce the residue to a manageable size. The concept being the Caustic fusion and chemical treatments removes most of the material leaving only diamond and refractory minerals. The residues are then observed and the diamonds are recovered. The lab adds unique diamonds to each sample, which are recovered as part of a quality assurance program.
The Spring drilling program was designed to discover as many new kimberlites as possible within the given time and budget, the idea was to tag the kimberlite with one or two drill holes and return to them for further work if diamonds were present. Arctic Star has successfully shown the existence of the large kimberlite complex at Sequoia and they now know that it is significantly diamond bearing. Further work is therefore warranted.
Notable from table 1 is the contrasting diamond counts between drill holes 04 and 05. Drill hole DG2021-04 has almost twice the diamond count of 05, indicating variable diamond grades within this large kimberlite complex. Figure 1 shows the location of the two drill holes, with a background of the gravity anomaly thought to map the complex. The two holes where drilled 220m apart into contrasting parts of the complex.
The lab has given descriptions of the dozen or so larger diamonds. They are all reported to be white in colour. The majority, 75%, are described as clear, the rest are described as off white or cloudy. It is to early to say much about the quality of the diamonds at this stage. A large sample of commercial sized diamonds is required, for this. It can be said that it is more encouraging to have clear white stones that to have the diamonds described as boart, no brown or boart stones have been noted from these samples.
The next step would be to drill test all the sectors of the kimberlite complex with several drill holes to understand the geology and diamond distribution. Figure 1 shows areas that need to be tested with orange brackets. This would allow for further focus (more drilling for tonnage and bulk samples for grade and price) on the higher diamond count portions of the complex in the future, if warranted. Ideally each 15 million tonne portion of the complex would need 2-3 holes into it, before garnering an initial understanding of the geology and diamond distribution.
Figure 1. Location of the Spring 2021 Sequoia complex drill hole, background is a colour grid of the ground Gravity data (0.1milligal contours), Black dots are the gravity stations. Blue lines outline lakes. Orange brackets highlight sizable tracks of the complex that require testing by drill holes.
Helicopter supported drilling at the Sequoia target is possible most times of the year (Nov. - Jan. not recommended due to darkness, limiting aviation), as parts occur on land or can be drilled from the shore using angled holes and could commence on financing. The target is only 6.2 kilometers from the exploration camp.
The Diagras project is a Joint Venture between Arctic Star and Margaret Lake Diamonds Inc. ("DIA"). Arctic Star took over management of the Diagras project this year and proposed a $2.1 million "spring 2021" budget to drill geophysical targets on the property. At the end of this budget period, July 31st, 2021, the ownership will be approximately 80% Arctic Star, 20% DIA. A new "Summer/Fall" budget, which will include further drilling at Sequoia, will be discussed within the JV in July.
The caustic fusion diamond results from the other kimberlites discovered are awaited and are expected in the next 3-6 weeks.
Qualified Person
The Qualified Person for this news release is Buddy Doyle, AUSIMM, a Geologist that is employed by and works for Arctic Star with over 35 years' experience in diamond exploration, discovery, and evaluation. A Qualified Person under the provisions of National Instrument 43-101.
Contact Information
Neil Foran
Chief Executive Officer
(604) 681-7735
neil@margaretlakediamonds.com
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking information or forward-looking statements (collectively "forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information is typically identified by words such as: "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "intend", "estimate", "potentially" and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking information provided by the Company is not a guarantee of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking information as a result of various factors. The reader is referred to the Company's public filings for a more complete discussion of such risk factors and their potential effects, which may be accessed through the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
SOURCE: Margaret Lake Diamonds Inc.
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