This summer's exploration program at the Chidliak project on Baffin Island in Canada's Nunavut region revealed 12 new kimberlites, Peregrine Diamonds Ltd reports.



The 12 new kimberlites bring the number of kimberlites discovered at the Chidliak project to 50. Of those 50, 34 were found in 2010 – an increase of 112% over the kimberlite discoveries at the site in 2008-2009.

Initial drill data indicated that seven of the kimberlites discovered thus far are in excess of one hectare, with the CH-31 kimberlite float estimated to extend over five hectares.

Peregrine CEO Eric Friedland said that exploration this summer had revealed an average of one new kimberlite at Chidliak every two and a half days, and that the "new Canadian diamond district" now stretched 70 kilometers by 40 kilometers. Friedland said the diamond company was confident that Chidliak contained still more diamondiferous kimberlites.

In addition, Friedland noted, two kimberlites had been discovered on Peregrine's adjacent Qilaq project, "further expanding this phenomenal diamond exploration region."

Peregrine President Brooke Clements said the company was looking forward to a "steady stream of diamond results over the coming months."