Paulatuk will see diamond searchers in the hamlet
Dawn Ostrem
Northern News Services
Paulatuk (Apr 23/01) - Diamond exploration will resume in the Paulatuk area this summer with high expectations after the discovery of new kimberlite pipes last year.
"We know we have a diamond bearing situation," said Leon La Prairie, president of Darnley Bay Resources.
Aerial surveys conducted in 1997 revealed 43 potential drill sites.
"That's very, very excellent," La Prairie said. "Out of 43, 23 were used as drill targets and from that we drilled 10. Out of the 10 we drilled nine are kimberlite pipe."
Continued sampling will take place about 40 miles south and require helicopters and probably three, two-geologist crews, he said.
"What is really outstanding is ... the till samples are not the same chemical as we drilled," La Prairie said. "That tells us the main source of what we are looking for is further south."
That area is also located on Inuvialuit land.
La Prairie confirmed that South African diamond giant De Beers verified three of those pipes are diamond bearing.
"So you can almost assume all the rest are going to be kimberlites and diamond bearing," La Prairie added.
Exploration has brought a few jobs and subtle changes to life in Paulatuk.
"The community is hoping there are opportunities for people to work," said hamlet SAO Albert Ruben.
Two summers ago an exploration crew camped in Paulatuk, but last summer they camped 25 miles north on Parry Peninsula.
"It's more my concern as an Inuvialuit that the (Inuvialuit Regional Corporation) play a significant role and I'm concerned they leave the land as untouched as possible."
Ruben said when representatives are in town they provide the hamlet with a monthly report and attend hamlet meetings.
La Prairie said the drilling camp needs workers, but they must be trained.
