RJK Explorations Ltd. is a mineral exploration company with a focus on diamonds gold, silver and base metals with its resource properties located in Ontario and Newfoundland.
RJK’s main exploration focus at this time will be expanding our land package and defining drill targets in search for the source of the 800 Carat Yellow Nipissing Diamond on our Bishop Claims near Cobalt, Ontario.
RJK is continuing exploration on the mineral claim blocks in Newfoundland. RJK conducted some initial drilling on the Rolling Pond Claim Block and will be continuing that exploration on a variety of targets.
-Projects:
Bishop Nipissing Diamond Properties:
On February 5, 2019, RJK Explorations Ltd. entered into a property option agreement with Anthony “Tony” Bishop for the Bishop Nipissing Diamond Properties, exploration properties totaling 2090.2 hectares encompassing at least 18 potential kimberlite pipes located approximately 10 km south of Cobalt, Ontario.
Tony Bishop, Prospector, spent over 4 years looking for the source of the Nipissing Diamond that was found sometime during the development of the silver mines at Cobalt, Ontario in the 1903 to 1905 time period. After closely following Bishop’s work for a year and reviewing the data, RJK decided to option the property.
The Bishop claims are situated in a well-established kimberlite field within the Lake Temiskaming Structural Zone. A deep-seated subduction zone is located below the claims, which is an ideal geological setting for type IIa diamonds, the largest diamonds in the world. All claims are on Crown Land, are mostly on high, dry, well-drained topography for year-round drilling. Drivable logging roads are within one kilometre or less, affording easy access. Close by are 3 hydroelectric facilities, a large electric wind farm and a gas pipeline. The Trans-Canada Hwy is also very close, as is the train station in Cobalt, an area with a well-established historical mining history.
Thus far, RJK has discovered two diamondiferous kimberlites, each with large tonnage potential. Many targets remain within the 17,000 hectare staked and optioned claims
On November 11, RJK added 4,400 hectares in additional staked claims, and optioned ground surrounding the Bishop claims, to add a minimum of 17 additional targets for drilling.
Kon Diamond Exploration Claims:
RJK Explorations’ first two drill targets in the 2020 winter drilling campaign, the Kon Kimberlite Dike, and Kon 1 Kimberlite, have intersected heterolitic and hypabyssal kimberlite. RJK established 3 priority targets in addition to the known Kimberite Dike. Originally, the company believed there to be five potential targets within the Kon claims, but after further review, there could be up to eleven. Including the new Power Group optioned claims to the west, there could be up to fifteen.
RJK Explorations studied a historical 200m-spacing geophysical survey, conducted by the Ontario government, and determined there to be the possibility of four targets just west of its optioned Kon claims, on the Power Group claims. On February 10th, 2020, RJK announced a 3-year earn-in deal for the rights to the Power Group claim block, to potentially drill-test those four targets, after conducting detailed drone geophysical surveys.
Investment Highlight Fact Sheet:
1. As of November, 2020, RJK has discovered four kimberlites, Paradis (87 hectare EM Conductance anomaly), Robin’s Place (10 hectare EM Conductance anomaly), and Gleeson (40 hectare EM Conductance anomaly), and the Kon kimberlite, which is located 3 kilometers west of the first 3 discoveries. The kimberlite intersects are as shallow as 2m from surface at Paradis, 4m at Robin’s place, and 3m at Gleeson. Paradis averages 11m in thickness, Robin’s place averages 24m in thickness, and Gleeson 10m in thickness. The source of Paradis is still unknown, hole RP-20-01 in Robin’s place was lost at 33.6m and could represent a source pipe, and the source of Gleeson is still unknown. Additional drilling is needed to determine exact tonnage.
2. Evidence suggests the 700-800 Carat Nipissing Diamond may have been found on or near RJK’s Bishop diamond exploration claims. Where there was one large diamond discovered, the probability increases that more could be located underground in its source. Advancements in exploration knowledge and technology have made 2019 the best time in history for RJK to reopen the search.
3. On April 1, 2020, RJK announced its first 18 diamonds discovered in a 22kg drill core sample from Paradis Bay. This drill core had been falsely classified by two independent labs in 2019, but CF Mineral research, led by the famous diamond mine finder, Dr. Charles E. Fipke, processed the core, discovering both clear, and coloured natural diamonds. In addition, a total of 28 KIM grain determinations were identified, that commonly derive from kimberlite sources, originating in the “diamond stability field.” The diamond stability field is located from depths of about 200 km in the earth at the lower boundary of the continental lithosphere with the convecting mantle. From the heavy mineral concentrates, 164 grains were probed and classified into six diamond indicator minerals: chromite, high manganese ilmenite, peridotitic pyroxene, clinopyroxene, eclogitic garnet and peridotitic garnet. Of the 164 grains analyzed by electromicroprobe, twenty-three were G10 peridotitic garnets, three were diamond inclusion G11 garnets, one was a G1 eclogitic garnet and one was a diamond inclusion chromite, all formed in the diamond stability field along with the diamonds. Of particular interest was the picroilmenite chemistry indicating only minor resorption of the diamonds present. RJK will be drilling to try to discover the source kimberlite pipe of these diamonds in the summer of 2020.
4. RJK has confirmed the historical Nipissing Diamond discovery by obtaining articles dating back to 1906, one of which gave a clue to its location when it stated Tiffany and Co. sent a team of diamond experts and geologists to an area “west of Temiskaming,” after they cut and polished the Nipissing Diamond. In addition, the company has confirmed the decedents of the original owner, Adolphe O. Aubin, still own pieces cut from the original Nipissing Diamond. Recently, the company discovered that wealthy, famous New York investors staked claims shortly after the November 1906 article was published, stating that Tiffany’s was sending their team west of Temiskaming. RJK is conducting more research to determine if those wealthy investors were the gentlemen who financed the Tiffany expedition, and if so, if that was the location where the Nipissing Diamond was discovered.
5. De Beers, the world’s most successful diamond company historically, has invested heavily in the area over the past two years. They have used mag and electro mag technology to map out geophysical signatures from Elk lake, to Temagami, and from South Temiskaming to Larder Lake. In the centre of this flight area is RJK’s properties in Cobalt. De Beers has started to strike deals with nearby companies and have begun to drill targets they have identified as potential kimberlite pipes in close proximity to RJK’s Bishop claims.
6. On Feb 5, 2020, RJK drilled its first kimberlite pipe, the Kon 1 Kimberlite. Kon 1 was the 1st target of 45+ within the optioned and staked diamond exploration claims. 100m of hypabyssal kimberlite was encountered on a vertical hole, beginning only 12m from surface, and 79m was encountered on a diagonal hole, facing west, starting from the centre of the magnetic low anomaly. A kimberlite dike was also drilled, encountering 21m of hypabyssal kimberlite. Initial tests of 260kg returned seven microdiamonds without inclusions. There are five phases to the Kon kimberlite, and RJK has sent another 160kg out for testing to try to get a better idea of which of the phsases may be diamondiferous.
7. RJK’s Bishop Claims are located in a geologically ideal setting for not only kimberlite discoveries, but pipes from deep-seated subduction zones where it is believed Type IIa diamonds, the most valued and purest type of diamonds, originate.
8. Kimberlites exist in clusters. There are already 46 discoveries and showings in the geological area, 29 of which have contained diamonds, it’s just that none have proven to be economic, yet. Very few have ever been tested properly. The odds of finding more kimberlites nearby, that could be economic, increase with the existence of past diamondiferous kimberlite discoveries in close proximity.
9. RJK has begun to expand on 5 years of kimberlite indicator mineral data and mapping from Tony Bishop and his family. The results suggest new potential kimberlites nearby, waiting to be discovered.
10. A G10D chrome pyrope garnet was found in a till sample, and in the Paradis drill core. G10Ds are statistically considered to be derived from diamond-bearing kimberlite pipes.
11. Large grain G9 purple chrome pyropes were found >2mm in multiple locations. These likely would’ve pulverized into smaller sizes if moved by a glacier far from their kimberlite sources. Below is a 2.3mm G9 brecciated Chrome Pyrope with kimberlite attached down-ice from Lightning Lake.
12. Green Chrome diopsides have been found. These are the same indicator minerals, which lead to the discovery of the Ekati Diamond mine in the Northwest Territories.
13. In an area down-ice from Little Grassy Lake, thousands of indicators minerals were discovered. Generally, when over 100 indicator minerals are found in a sample, you know you’re very close to a kimberlite source.
14. Many circular-shaped lakes and swamps with vegetation anomalies are located within the Bishop claims. These are often classic indications of kimberlite pipes below.
15. There are many clear, geophysical magnetic high, and low signatures, that are deep-seated within a granite and diabase batholith. Some mag signatures coincide with the locations of the lakes and swamps, and also the kimberlite indicator mineral sampling trails.
16. RJK has up to 15 more targets surrounding its Kon 1 kimberlite discovery.
17. The majority of RJK’s land is high in elevation, with very little overburden above the bedrock. This allows for year-round drilling, and also, shallower drill holes to determine if anomalies are kimberlites, reducing costs and downtime.
18. RJK’s Board of Advisors have voluntarily signed up to the deal and each have extensive experience in diamond exploration. This is invaluable to a junior diamond exploration company, shortening the learning curve for management.
19. RJK’s diamond exploration claims have incredible infrastructure relative to most diamond exploration zones in other parts of Canada, i.e. the remote Northwest Territories and Quebec. Therefore, the cost of potential diamond mine construction would be greatly reduced compared to many of RJK’s peers.
20. Global diamond jewelry demand has rebounded in October and November of 2020, with the world’s largest diamond producer, Alrosa, back to its pre-pandemic stock price levels, and De Beers earning above $400 million from rough diamond sales in each of the past two months.
21. There are very few investments that in historical percentage terms, are more explosive than when new diamond mines are found. Details of these historical returns can be found in RJK’s Interactive Timeline, under the section, Diamond Rush 1.0. Diamond mine profitability is illustrated in the section Diamond Rush 2.0 in Canada, where it highlights De Beers paid back its entire billion dollar investment in the Victor diamond mine in year one, and experienced high profit margins for 11 years thereafter.
Diamond Exploration Education and Useful Information
Diamond Creation and Kimberlite:
Diamonds are created 150-300 kilometers below the surface of the earth, in areas of pressure higher than 40 thousand atmospheres, and temperatures of 950–1400 degrees Celsius. Type 2A diamonds are formed at even greater depths of 400-600km below the surface in subduction zones, and it is thought that this is where large diamonds like the Nipissing Diamond originate. Diamondiferous kimberlite pipes are brought to surface as a result of carbon dioxide gas accumulating over diamond creation zones, then and pushing its way up through deep cracks and faults in the earth’s crust, ending in a violent eruption. Diamonds and other gemstones are brought from the mantle below, to the surface through this process. Once the magma cools, a kimberlite pipe is formed, which is where the majority of diamonds can be found on earth.
Geological Requirements for Kimberlite:
Broadly speaking, continental cratons are where most diamondiferous kimberlite pipes are found. Regional kimberlite locations are highly correlated with major structural faults, and more locally with cross faults. They are often discovered at contact points between different types of rocks, and usually appear in close proximity to other kimberlite pipes. Therefore, almost every new kimberlite discovery has lead to other nearby kimberlite discoveries in each respective region.
Glaciation and Kimberlite Pipe Topography:
On average, roughly every 100,000 years, the earth experiences an ice age, where massive glaciers blanket the land. The most recent glacial period ended roughly 11,000 years ago, and covered the majority of North America. A glacier is formed as ice accumulates over time, reaching heights of up to 3km. The immense weight of a glacier crushes everything below, and the pressure creates a thin layer of water on the earth’s surface, allowing for glacial movement. As glaciers travel, they gouge out softer layers of rock, such as kimberlite, more than the harder layers, such as granite. Once glaciers melt, they leave depressions in areas where kimberlites have come to surface, often resulting in circular-shaped lakes or swamps above the pipes. Glaciers also leave striations in any exposed bedrock, which indicate the direction of the most recent glacial movements.
Kimberlite Indicator Minerals:
After glaciers gauge out kimberlite, they then melt and recede, depositing pulverized kimberlite materials down-ice in new locations from their kimberlite origin. Diamonds aren’t the only gems that are discovered in kimberlite pipes. There are various other minerals such as Chrome Pyrope Garnets, Eclogetic Garnets, Chromites, Mg-Ilmenite, Chrome Diopsides, and Olivine (Forsterite), that when discovered, can be used to estimate the locations of their kimberlite origins. In areas of glaciation, using glacial striae, explorers can track kimberlite indicator minerals in reverse to the glacial movements, until they no longer find significant numbers of those indicator minerals. This is the main method of determining if a kimberlite source is in close proximity.
Soil Gas Hydrocarbon (SGH) Sampling:
SGH sampling is a method of detecting buried inorganic material deposits, such as kimberlite, by measuring non-gaseous hydrocarbon compounds that have been synthesized by bacteria feeding on the target. Microbes decompose and release various specific hydrocarbons, which are diffused through the overburden to the surface. Discovery of specific ratios can indicate if a surface location is above, or in close proximity to, a kimberlite pipe. SGH can help detect mineral deposits up to 500m at depth, but in the case of potential kimberlites on RJK’s land claims, overburden is generally only between 2-5m above the bedrock, with a maximum of 20m. Activation laboratories LTD stated that DeBeers Canada use SGH over any prospective Kimberlite as it reduces their drill program by 50%. Of the companies that have tried SGH, over 90% have observed success in determining their targets.
Geophysics of Kimberlite Pipes:
Geophysics utilize magnetic, EM (electromagnetic) and gravity in to determine relative differences of the physical signatures of the earth. This is particularly useful in diamond exploration, as each method tends to work well on kimberlite pipes, which often, but not always, have properties that are different relative to the surrounding rock. Kimberlite pipes can appear as either magnetic highs, or magnetic lows, depending on the position of the earth’s poles at that moment of the kimberlite eruption. However, some diamondiferous kimberlite pipes have been discovered with little to no geophysical signature. Interpretation of geophysical data can offer guidance on the size and shape of anomalies, as well as insight on where to position drill holes.
Drilling for Kimberlite:
Once kimberlite targets are identified using the methods listed above, drilling the target is necessary to determine if the target contains kimberlite, and whether there is potential for diamonds. On rare occasions, if kimberlite outcrop is discovered on the surface, samples can be collected from those areas for analysis. If kimberlite is found, continued drilling is used to determine the diamond grade and dimensions of the pipe.
Caustic Fusion and Testing for Large Stones:
Caustic fusion is a process to separate any diamonds from their kimberlite host rocks. Kimberlite drill core is loaded into stainless steel vessels with caustic soda set to high temperatures, which dissolves the material around the diamonds. After a set period of time, the solution is drained and screened, liberating the diamonds. If caustic fusion results are positive, a bulk sample of the kimberlite deposit is taken to determine the diamond grade of the kimberlite pipe, as well as search for the presence of large stones. Economics thereafter are determined by samples milled in a pilot mill for diamond recovery, and if results are favourable, full production may occur.
RJK Explorations Ltd. is traded on the OTC under the ticker symbol RJKAF. This is not investment advice. Please view the disclaimer found on this website.
