Metalex Ventures Ltd.’s discovery of two kimberlite occurrences around Attawapiskat has sparked renewed interest in diamonds in the James Bay region.
Though Metalex has not produced any diamond discoveries, the mere involvement of geologist and Ekati discoverer Charles Fipke in the project has made the area a prominent exploration play.
During October drilling, a Metalex-Arctic Star joint venture found kimberlite poking up within seven metres of the surface.
The kimberlite was originally believed to be 400 metres long and 250 metres wide, but new interpretation of the data indicated the anomaly is about 700 metres long and 300 metres wide.
By month’s end, Metalex reported their geophysics work revealed a second kimberlite pipe of about 150 metres in diametre.
The company says additional drilling is needed to determine whether the kimberlite occurrences are kimberlite pipes.
Fipke is chairman and chief executive officer of Metalex Ventures Ltd., a junior that has controlling interest in a 6,952-square-kilometre parcel of claims surrounding the De Beers Victor site.
The other junior, Arctic Star Diamond Corp., holds a minority stake in the project.
A private company, Kel-Ex Development Ltd., controlled by Fipke, is also a part owner.
