Star Diamond Corporation has announced that Rio Tinto Exploration Canada Inc (RTEC) has commenced the processing of bulk samples from RTEC’s trench cutter program. These bulk samples, estimated by RTEC to be approximately 8,271 wet tonnes, were collected during 2019 on the Star Kimberlite and are stored on-site in approximately 6,848 cubic metre bulk bags.

The on-site bulk sampling plant (BSP) was fabricated by Consulmet (Pty) Ltd of South Africa. The BSP uses X-ray transmission (XRT) sorting technology to recover any large diamonds present (6 to 25 mm). All the 0.85 to 6.0 mm kimberlite fraction is then processed through a DMS cyclone to prepare a diamond-bearing heavy mineral concentrate for the recovery of the 0.85 to 6.0 mm diamonds. A secondary crushing circuit, using a high-pressure roll crusher, aims to maximise the liberation of smaller diamonds from the kimberlite. Star Diamond has been advised by RTEC that it is has completed commissioning of the BSP.

The mineral concentrates produced by the BSP are expected to be shipped, on an ongoing basis, to an off-site facility for final diamond recovery and reporting of such recovery to Star Diamond and RTEC.

Star Diamond currently expects that all or substantially all of the bulk samples collected during 2019 will be processed through to final diamond recovery and reported over the balance of calendar 2020, provided that there are not any unexpected material delays in this process including arising from COVID-19 issues. “Star Diamond looks forward to providing periodic updates regarding the bulk sample processing and results obtained in accordance with its public disclosure obligations.”