BHP looks to expand Ekati
Company seeks permission for additional kimberlite pipes

Doug Ashbury
Northern News Services

NNSL (Jan 15/99) - In preparation to expand its diamond resource, BHP Diamonds is seeking land use, water and fisheries permits for additional kimberlite pipes at Ekati.

The permits apply to Beartooth, Pigeon and Sable kimberlite pipes located at BHP's property 300 kilometres North of Yellowknife.

Koala North is another promising pipe. BHP does not need additional permits for Koala North because it is covered under the existing permits.

"At this point we feel it is prudent to initiate the regulatory process," BHP spokesperson Graham Nicholls said.

The company has always intended to extend the life of Ekati past the 17 years associated with the mining of the first group of kimberlite pipes. The application for permits is part of that process, Nicholls said.

Ekati, owned by BHP, Dia Met Minerals and geologists Chuck Fipke and Stewart Blusson, officially opened Oct. 14, 1998. The Panda pit is first on the list of diamond-bearing kimberlite bodies to be mined.

By filing with the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, BHP hopes to have the permits in place by the time it is ready to mine the additional pipes.

If all goes according to plan, BHP could be mining Koala North in 2002 while the company could be digging into Sable, Beartooth and Pigeon in 2005-06.