VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwire) -- 01/09/13 -- Arctic Star Exploration Corp. (TSX VENTURE: ADD) (the "Company" or "Arctic Star") is pleased to expand on its plans to reignite its diamond exploration activities in the Lac de Gras diamond fields in the Northwest Territories (NWT), Canada.
The Company's focus involves recently-staked claims in the Lac de Gras area that were acquired, as per the news release dated October 1, 2012. Notably, these claims are at the head of Arctic's prominent diamond indicator mineral train just to the east of the project area that was extensively explored by the Company between 2004 and 2010.
This mineral indicator dispersion train has been named "the South Coppermine Train". Its source has yet to be discovered. The key may lie in Arctic's newly staked ground "The Redemption Project". The Company was aware of a compelling geophysical target after reviewing open file government assessment data. This target is 800 metres from the head of the South Coppermine Train and just 400 metres from the old project boundary. Management waited patiently for the ground to become unoccupied and staked it when it became available.
In the Lac de Gras area, there are already three producing diamond mines, Ekati (32 km from Arctic Property), Diavik (47 km from Arctic property), and Snap Lake (97 km distant). These are comprised of a number of economic diamond kimberlite pipes and dykes within a prolific diamond field consisting of more than 200 kimberlites. The Ekati mine began production in 1998, while Diavik was commissioned in 2003, and Snap Lake in 2008.
Many of the kimberlites in this field exhibit prominent mineral indicator trains, formed during the last Ice Age. This was at a time when thick glaciers eroded the near-surface portions of the kimberlites and disbursed many of the contained minerals "down ice" for many kilometers.
The South Coppermine indicator mineral train has excellent diamond indicator mineral chemistry. It includes numerous pyrope garnets, high-magnesium ilmenites, chrome diopsides, chromite, and eclogitic garnets. All of these indicator minerals exhibit compositions that are related to strong diamond mineralization. Furthermore, micro-diamonds were recovered from this train, confirming the source is mineralized with diamonds. The indicator minerals are also very angular, have soft alteration coats and some are even attached to kimberlite, all evidence that the source is close by.
The new Redemption Project, 100% owned by Arctic Star, encompasses a distinct DIGHEM (frequency domain heliborne electromagnetic) anomaly, titled the "South Coppermine target".
During the Lac de Gras "Diamond Rush" in the 1990s, many kimberlites, including the economic pipes at Diavik were found by drilling similar electromagnetic anomalies. The location of this 180-metre by 120-metre anomaly at the direct head of the South Coppermine Indicator mineral train, provides a compelling reason to management to drill.
It is acknowledged that there can be other geological sources that create EM anomalies and drill success is not guaranteed; however, the South Coppermine target presents a response that has characteristics of a vertical "pipe like" body. Other unwanted EM anomaly sources, such as graphite and massive sulphites, typically have a discernible dip and plunge, which are not apparent in the South Coppermine geophysical data.
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Arctic Star Identifies Diamond Targets for Drilling in the Prolific Lac de Gras Area, NWT Diamond Fields
Jan 9 2013 12:00AM
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