NORTHWEST TERRITORIES A stunning, gem-quality 25.13-ct diamond has been recovered from the 2008 Tuzo bulk sample at the Gahcho Ku project 300 km northeast of Yellowknife. Tuzo is one of three primary kimberlites slated for mining at the project.
The Gahcho Ku project is a 50:50 joint venture of Toronto's DE BEERS CANADA (www.DeBeersCanada.com) and MOUNTAIN PROVINCE DIAMONDS (www.MountainProvince.com).
"To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest gem-quality diamond ever recovered from a Canadian diamond exploration drill program," said Mountain Province president and CEO Patrick Evans. "The diamond is a perfect 'ice crystal' and has been independently valued at approximately $17,500 per carat, putting the diamond value at approximately $440,000.
"From past years' exploration at Gahcho Ku, several other large diamonds of gem quality have been recovered; including 9.9, 7, 6.6 and 5.9 carat diamonds from the 5034 kimberlite, and 8.7, 6.4 and 4.9 carat diamonds from the Hearne kimberlite. The presence of coarser diamonds is an important driver of overall diamond value at Gahcho Ku," said Evans.
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