Final report for EL 22296 Cox Project, for the period 5 February 2003 to 24 November 2008

Abstract

Previously published reports were reviewed with a focus on past diamond exploration conducted in the area. Of particular interest were reports that described the location of macro and micro diamond occurrences and the presence and nature of diamond indicator minerals. FIELD WORK - In 2006, the first phase of exploration consisted of ground verification of previous diamond and indicator results across the Cox Project. The site investigations were focused on Cretaceous sediments within areas identified in the historical reports. Streams that had previously shown anomalous results were resampled and analysed for indicator minerals using microprobe analysis. Several samples were taken across the Cox Project, of which three (3) were sourced from streams within EL 22296. Results from these three (3) samples were not encouraging. DISCUSSION - Conclusions drawn from the data review indicated that this tenement would not be highly prospective for diamondiferous kimberlites. Microdiamonds found in the region have been interpreted as having originated from kimberlitic source rock(s) of considerable distance to the south of the tenement. Rock chip sampling did not alter this assessment. CONCLUSION - The potential for this tenement to host kimberlite rocks is considered to be low. The presence of microdiamonds, although initially promising, has been interpreted to be sourced from rocks to the south of the tenement. The lack of indicator minerals and locally sourced micro or macro diamonds suggests that the tenement is not prospective for diamondiferous kimberlites, and it is recommended that the tenement be surrendered at this time.