Lucapa Diamond Company Limited (ASX: LOM) has obtained impressive results from the completed processing of bulk sample KBS/164/01 from Lulo kimberlite L164 in Angola, confirming it is a primary source hosting Special sized diamonds.
Lulo kimberlite bulk sample KBS/164/01, totalling ~2,200 in-situ m3 or ~5,641 wet tonnes of kimberlite material, has returned a total of 41 diamonds weighing 66.05 carats, including two Special sized diamonds weighing 15.27 and 12.37 carats (total of 27.64 carats or ~42% of the total weight) with 12 diamonds greater than one carat recovered (total of 50.21 carats or ~76% of the total weight).
This yielded an average grade of ~3.00 carats per one hundred cubic metres (“cphm3”) or ~1.17 carats per one hundred tonnes (“cpht”) and an average stone size of ~1.61 carats (at a bottom cut of screen size of 1.5mm).
“We are delighted with the result and recovery of Special sized diamonds from this Lulo kimberlite sample,” Lucapa Managing Director, Stephen Wetherall, said.
“The Lulo kimberlite exploration programme has delivered tangible proof that the Lulo kimberlite province hosts primary sources containing Specials, confirming Lucapa’s and our partner’s long held views.
“Preliminary indications are that the kimberlite deposit has a very coarse (large) average stone size of 1.61 carats which, compares very favourably to two of the coarsest primary source kimberlites globally, the Mothae and Letšeng mines in Lesotho.”
Mr Wetherall said the varying size frequency distributions and the differing diamond characteristics from the many alluvial diamond mining blocks continue to provide evidence that there are multiple primary sources contributing to the secondary alluvial resource on the Lulo concession.
The methodical approach to the exploration programme will continue with the processing of all the kimberlites on the priority list in order to ensure that all large stone bearing kimberlites are identified and taken to the next stage of evaluation.
Kimberlite L164 is located south (upstream) of the Canguige Catchment area and was placed on the priority kimberlite bulk sample list due to its indicator mineral content.
For further information please visit: https://www.lucapa.com.au/
