Arctic Star Exploration Corp. has made an exciting discovery at the Sequoia kimberlite in the Northwest Territories, Canada. Diamonds retrieved through caustic fusion of drill core from the site have revealed a significant presence of low nitrogen diamonds, some containing deep, high-pressure mineral inclusions. This research, conducted at the University of Alberta, is set to be presented at the upcoming Kimberlite Conference in Yellowknife in July.
The findings suggest that the Sequoia kimberlite may hold larger gemstones, with a high proportion of nitrogen-free, deep-sourced diamonds, which are rare and valuable in the global diamond market. The study analyzed seventy-three diamonds selected for their size and mineral inclusions, revealing that a considerable portion of the diamonds are sourced from sub-lithospheric depths, showcasing exceptional quality.
Arctic Star plans to take a bulk sample of approximately 3000t from the site in winter 2026 to further assess the economic potential of the diamonds found at Sequoia. This exploration is crucial for understanding the average value of the stones and identifying any exceptional diamonds present.
The company’s VP Exploration, Mr. Buddy Doyle, expressed optimism about the potential for finding large, high-quality diamonds at Sequoia based on the research findings. The upcoming drilling and delineation work at the kimberlite complex will provide more insights into the diamond distribution and geology, paving the way for future exploration and potential production.
The discovery at the Sequoia kimberlite complex marks a significant advancement in Arctic Star’s diamond exploration efforts, showcasing the potential for valuable diamond resources in the region.
