Key points
- As of September 1, 1997, digging of the tailings pond had advanced approximately 59 metres.
- The tailings pond will be 120 metres long at seabed, narrowing to 100 metres long and 70 metres wide at the base of the 13-metre-deep pond.
- Bulk sample No. 2 is located in the North Channel, 1,500 metres offshore between drill holes 520 and 620 south, in a zone of high rutile concentration.
- Trans Hex International and Ocean plan to excavate approximately 5,000 cubic metres from a 100-metre by 70-metre trench, with completion expected in late October 1997.
The access channel to the second bulk sample location has been completed and the Aokam Thai No. 3 dredge is currently digging a tailings pond. At September 1 1997, digging of the pond had advanced approximately 59 metres.
The tailings pond will be 120 metres long at seabed level, sloping down to be 100 metres long at the base of the 13 metre deep pond and 70 metres wide. When the tailings pond is completed, the dredge will advance 20 metres to leave a wall and then commence digging a ramp down to expose the gravel horizon leading to the bulk sample area.
This area, in the North Channel, 1500 metres offshore and between drill holes 520 and 620 south, has been selected in a zone of high rutile concentration which Trans Hex International, the project manager, and Ocean continue to believe to be a good indicator for diamonds. It is planned to excavate approximately 5,000 cubic metres from a trench 100 metres long, 70 metres wide at seabed, 25 metres wide at basement and with an estimated gravel thickness of two metres.
It is anticipated that bulk sample No. 2 will be completed during the latter part of October 1997.
