Doug Ashbury
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Oct 02/00) - When MaryAnn Mihychuk was studying geology, she remembers seeing a snapshot of a diamond found in glacial till.

That was several years ago. Now Manitoba's minister of industry, trade and mines, Mihychuk sees diamonds as a possible resource in her province.

"About 10 years ago, exploration for diamonds began in Manitoba. Since then, we've had companies do regional surveys," she said.

Four companies have so far taken land claims in the province and are exploring for diamonds.

A geologist by profession, Mihychuk believes Manitoba has the right geology for diamonds.

Exploration permits have been acquired by De Beers' subsidiary Monopros, BHP Minerals Canada, Kennecott Canada and Manitoba junior Indicator Explorations for lands between Lake Winnipeg and Hudson Bay.

Mihychuk says companies have been open about the fact that they were exploring for diamonds.

"We're hoping we'll follow the lead of the Northwest Territories and have a diamond mine," said Mihychuk, who recently visited the NWT in connection with a meeting of western economic development officials.

She said a group of Manitobans from the Cross Lake First Nation are planning to visit the NWT this month to learn about the social contract between BHP and NWT aboriginal groups.

The group also plans to visit the Red Dog Mine in Alaska.

Ekati and Red Dog have shown the "new way to do mining," Mihychuk said.

Manitoba has nine operating mines, two gold and seven base metals.