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59 and 40 carat diamond valued US $400,000 & US $100,000 recovered
http://tahera.com/Company/Profile/History/default.aspx
History
2007
Tahera adds two new directors to board.
Successful mobilization of fuel and supplies on winter road.
Tahera closes $22.5 million unit offering.
Teck Cominco Ltd. senior mining professional seconded to Jericho Diamond Mine.
Operational improvement program at Jericho Diamond Mine on-going.
2006
Tahera approves $8 million exploration budget for 2007.
Tahera announces alliance with Teck Cominco Limited.
Muskox results.
Operations Update.
Official opening ceremony for the Jericho Diamond Mine held on August 17th, 2006.
59 carat gemstone valued in excess of US $400,000 recovered.
Jericho Diamond Mine achieves commercial production on July 1st, 2006.
Tahera team wins Mine Rescue Competition.
Tahera closes $8 million flow-through financing.
Share consolidation approved.
40 carat diamond valued at US $100,000 recovered.
First diamond sales to Tiffany & Co. conducted.
Mine commissioning and production ramp-up ongoing throughout the first quarter.
Tahera revises and refiles 2006 Annual Information Form and 2006 Technical Report on the Polar Project.
Additional information and clarification regarding Tahera's Muskox kimberlite and update on current exploration program issued.
Tahera proposes share consolidation.
Tahera declares physical completion of construction of its Jericho Diamond Mine.
Winter Road update.
Tahera conducts start-up of processing plant.
Jericho Diamond Mine update, first Jericho diamonds produced.
Tahera commences exploration program on Muskox kimberlite.
Tahera Diamond Corporation finalizes strategic alliance with Teck Cominco Limited
Monday December 4, 2:29 pm ET
CLOSES $30 MILLION EQUITY PRIVATE PLACEMENT
TORONTO, Dec. 4 /CNW/ - Tahera Diamond Corporation (TSX-TAH) announces the completion of the previously announced strategic alliance with Teck Cominco Limited and the signing of related agreements. Teck Cominco has purchased, on a private placement basis, 30 million units of Tahera at a price of $1.00 per unit for gross proceeds of $30 million. Units are comprised of a total of 30,000,000 common shares and 22,109,757 common share purchase warrants. Three series of common share purchase warrants have been issued and consist of 7,369,919 warrants exercisable at a price of $1.20 per share until November 30, 2007; 7,369,919 warrants exercisable at a price of $1.35 per share until November 30, 2008; and 7,369,919 warrants exercisable at a price of $1.50 per share until November 30, 2009.
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Tahera's goal of becoming the leading Canadian-owned diamond exploration and mining company is enhanced significantly by this strategic alliance with Teck Cominco which enables Tahera to draw on the strengths of one of the world's leading mining companies. Tahera will use the proceeds from the financing to fund working capital requirements and to fund capital improvements that may be necessary to optimize production from the Jericho Diamond Mine. Teck Cominco will provide Tahera with mining and other technical advice and assistance in connection with the Jericho project.
As a result of this transaction, Teck Cominco holds approximately 16% of the outstanding common shares of Tahera (or up to 24.9% on a fully diluted basis if all warrants are exercised). In connection with the financing, Teck Cominco has been granted the right to nominate a director to the board of Tahera and the right to maintain its percentage interest in Tahera common shares.
Tahera has entered into an amending agreement for its credit facility with Tiffany & Co. which defers all scheduled repayments of principal and interest under the credit facility until September 30, 2007. In consideration for such deferral, Tahera has entered into an agreement that provides Tiffany with marketing rights for any production from the Muskox kimberlite which Tahera would be entitled to under its agreement with De Beers Canada Inc.
Teck Cominco is a diversified mining company, headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. Its shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbols TCK.A and TCK.B and on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TCK. The company is a world leader in the production of zinc and metallurgical coal and is also a significant producer of copper, gold, indium and other specialty metals.
Tahera Diamond Corporation (www.tahera.com) is a unique Canadian diamond company. Tahera's primary asset is its wholly-owned Jericho Diamond Mine, which represents Canada's third and Nunavut's first diamond mine. Tahera has a diamond purchase and marketing arrangement with Tiffany & Co., one of the world's leading jewellers, ensuring that the Company receives competitive market prices for its Jericho diamonds. Tahera has several other prospective diamond projects in Canada's prolific Slave Craton.
Forward-Looking Information
This press release contains "forward-looking information" that reflects Tahera Diamond Corporation's current expectations. When used in this report, words such as "estimate", "intend", "expect", "anticipate" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information, which is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made. By their very nature, they are not guarantees of Tahera's future operational or financial performance, and are subject to risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause Tahera's actual results, performance, prospects or opportunities to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by forward-looking information. These risks, uncertainties and factors may include, but are not limited to the risks and uncertainties identified in Tahera's latest Annual Information Form filed on www.SEDAR.com. Actual events may differ materially from current expectations. Tahera disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Tahera Diamond Corporation
R. Peter Gillin - Chairman and CEO
Grant Ewing - Executive Vice President
Teck awaits clarity on oil sands, holds onto cash
Thu Nov 30, 12:59 PM
TORONTO (Reuters) - Teck Cominco Ltd. is waiting to see how much its investment in an oil sands project in Alberta will cost before it decides how to deploy its hoard of cash, company vice president Mike Agg said on Thursday.
Teck Cominco, North America's largest zinc producer, has a 15 percent stake in the Fort Hills oil sands project, a joint venture with Petro-Canada and UTS Energy Corp. .
"The biggest uncertainty that we have to deal with is the magnitude of our commitment to the Fort Hills oil sands project," said Agg, vice president of refining and metal sales, told Bear Stearns industry conference.
Petro-Canada, the lead partner, is still doing preliminary planning for the project and is looking at a wide range of development alternatives.
Agg said the miner's share could range from C$1 billion ($877 million) to C$3 billion, depending on the scale of the project.
"Until we know this, we cannot make any major commitments regarding capital allocation," he said.
As of the end of the third quarter, Teck's cash position was sitting at C$3.8 billion, up from C$2.5 billion at the same time last year.
Earlier this year, Vancouver, British Columbia-based Teck tried to buy fellow Canadian miner Inco in a multibillion hostile deal. It lost to a richer all-cash offer from Brazilian iron ore producer Companhia Vale do Rio Doce .
Since abandoning its bid for nickel giant Inco, Teck has said it is more focused on internal growth than on making acquisitions.
"It's back to business as usual," Agg said. "We have been saying since the end of the Inco offer, we would pursue smaller opportunities."
Teck recently spent C$30 million to buy a 16 percent stake in Tahera Diamond Corp. , which operates the Jericho diamond mine in Canada's Nunavut territory.
Teck said it was not interested in U.S.-based copper producer Phelps Dodge Corp. , a company it battled with for Inco. Phelps has agreed to be taken over by U.S.-based Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold .
Tundra rocks could bring Canada diamond riches
By Rachelle Younglai
TORONTO, Nov 27 (Reuters) - The billions-of-years old rocks underneath the Canadian Shield have untold potential for Canada, as they include the kimberlite rock formation where diamonds are found, and could bring a glittering bonanza, the head of De Beers Canada says.
"When you look at Canada, serious exploration of diamonds is only 20 years old," said Jim Gowans, a mining engineer who helped build seven metal mines before taking the helm of De Beers Canada earlier this year.
South African based De Beers, which already produces nearly half the world's diamonds, is spending C$2 billion ($1.8 billion) to develop two Canadian projects into diamond mines.
Reuters Pictures
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from the last 24 hours.
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Canada only started mining diamonds in 1997, but it is already the world's third largest producer behind Botswana and Russia.
There are three mines so far, BHP Billiton Ltd.'s (BHP.AX: Quote, Profile, Research) Ekati operations, Aber Diamond Corp. (ABZ.TO: Quote, Profile, Research) and Rio Tinto Plc's (RIO.L: Quote, Profile, Research) Diavik mine and Tahera Diamond Corp.'s (TAH.TO: Quote, Profile, Research) Jericho mine. De Beers' two mines will be Nos 4 and 5.
In 2006, De Beers spent about C$13 million on early stage diamond exploration in Canada. For 2007, the company has set aside US$15 million, some 15 percent of its global exploration budget of about US$100 million.
It has 14 exploration agreements with other companies.
Prospecting for diamonds is harder than looking for metals -- an ounce of gold is the same as every other ounce of gold, but the value of a diamond carat can range from nearly nil to hundreds of dollars.
"That is why diamond exploration cost so much money and takes much longer to find," Gowans said.
"You are looking for vertical needles in a haystack and when you do find them, you have to find out if they have diamonds in them and if the diamonds have any value... you can burn up $30, $40 million a year on advanced stage project just on one little project."
Figures from Canada's Ministry of Natural Resources show that companies spent about C$323 million looking for diamonds in Canada in 2006.
"At the exploration level, we (in Canada) have not hit a lucrative kimberlite pipe. The challenge is to find one as quickly as possible," said Pierre Leblanc, principal with privately owned Canadian Diamond Consultants Inc.
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De Beers started searching here about 40 years ago. Its Snap Lake project, just south of the tree line in the Northwest Territories, could start producing by July 2007 and will be De Beers' first mine outside Africa. It will come on stream as some of its oldest mines in Africa start winding down.
De Beers is also developing the Victor project in northern Ontario, which is expected to start producing in 2008, and the Gahcho Kue project in the Northwest Territories, a joint venture with Mountain Province Diamonds Inc. (MPV.TO: Quote, Profile, Research) and Camphor Ventures Inc. (CFV.V: Quote, Profile, Research).
"Certainly at the rough trading level, the Canadian industry has become very well known, very quickly, because of quality and quantity," said Leblanc. "At the retail level we're less known. There are many people that don't know we have our own diamonds."
But De Beers said it has no intention of branding the Canadian diamonds, even though other firms have capitalized on the mystique of the great white north by etching microscopic symbols of Canadiana into their gems.
When people buy diamonds "it's not to buy a souvenir," said Gowans. "Right now De Beers is the world standard for diamonds, so there is no need for us to move off what has already been the standard."
De Beers is 45 percent owned by Anglo American Plc (AAL.L: Quote, Profile, Research).
($1=$1.13 Canadian)
It's about time Teck Cominco got involved in the Diamond business by buying into a finished mine. Couldn't let BHP, Rio Tinto and De Beers take it all. I expect to see the big boys buy out all these little players soon.
I guess they saw a bargain.
TECH BUYS IN....WOW
TAHERA DIAMOND CORP
Tahera Diamond Corporation announces strategic alliance with Teck Cominco Limited
11/15/2006
TORONTO, Nov. 15, 2006 (Canada NewsWire via COMTEX News Network) --
Teck Cominco to purchase $30 million private placement
Tahera Diamond Corporation (TSX-TAH) announces that it has entered into an agreement with Teck Cominco Limited whereby Teck Cominco will purchase, on a private placement basis, 30 million units of Tahera at a price of $1.00 per unit for gross proceeds of $30 million. Units will be comprised of a total of 30,000,000 common shares and 22,109,757 common share purchase warrants. Three series of common share purchase warrants will be issued at closing and consist of 7,369,919 warrants exercisable at a price of $1.20 per share until November 30, 2007; 7,369,919 warrants exercisable at a price of $1.35 per share until November 30, 2008; and 7,369,919 warrants exercisable at a price of $1.50 per share until November 30, 2009. Teck Cominco's initial investment will represent approximately 16% of Tahera's issued and outstanding common shares after the sale of the units, and approximately 24.9% on a fully diluted basis if all warrants issued to Teck Cominco are exercised and excluding the exercise of other existing convertible securities (33% dilution based on the current number of outstanding common shares). Teck Cominco is an arm's length party to Tahera.
Tahera's goal of becoming the leading Canadian-owned diamond exploration and mining company is strengthened significantly by this strategic alliance with Teck Cominco which enables Tahera to draw on the technical and financial strengths of one of the world's leading mining companies. Tahera will use the proceeds from the financing to fund working capital requirements and to fund capital improvements that may be necessary to optimize production from the Jericho Diamond Mine.
"We believe that there are numerous benefits to this strategic alliance with Teck Cominco and it is further fulfillment of Tahera's strategy to be associated with leading industry partners," said R. Peter Gillin, Tahera's Chief Executive Officer. "We believe that Teck Cominco's technical expertise and experience in northern mining will be of great value to Tahera," he said.
Teck Cominco President and Chief Executive Officer Don Lindsay said: "Our investment in Tahera is consistent with our goal of further diversifying our portfolio especially into non-exchange traded commodities. As we continue to actively explore for diamonds, we view this alliance with Tahera and its existing partners as an attractive opportunity to expand our knowledge of all phases of the diamond business from mining through marketing, while helping to add value to the Jericho project."
<<
The agreement also provides for, among other things:
- Teck Cominco providing mining and other technical advice and
assistance in connection with the Jericho project to Tahera pursuant
to a Technical Support Agreement;
- Teck Cominco being provided with the right to nominate a director to
the Tahera board of directors, so long as Teck Cominco maintains at
least a 10% holding of the issued and outstanding common shares of
Tahera;
- In the event of subsequent issues of equity, Teck Cominco will have a
right to maintain its percentage interest in Tahera, so long as Teck
Cominco maintains at least a 10% holding of the issued and
outstanding common shares of Tahera.
>>
The closing of the transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including the entering into of definitive agreements, and obtaining necessary regulatory approvals. The Toronto Stock Exchange has conditionally approved this private placement, which is expected to close on or about November 30, 2006.
As previously disclosed in Tahera's third quarter report, due to lower than expected cash flows from operations, the Company initiated financing discussions, and approached Tiffany & Co. with respect to deferring scheduled repayments of its credit facility. In light of the proposed investment by Teck Cominco, Tiffany & Co. has agreed, subject to entering into formal documentation, to defer scheduled repayments until September 30, 2007. In consideration for such deferral, Tahera has granted to Tiffany marketing rights for any production from the Muskox kimberlite which Tahera would be entitled to under its agreement with De Beers Canada Inc.
As the aggregate number of Tahera common shares issuable in connection with the transaction with Teck Cominco may exceed the maximum number of securities issuable without security holder approval under the rules of the Toronto Stock Exchange (being 25% of the outstanding common shares), Tahera is relying on an exemption from the security holder approval requirements of the TSX Company Manual on the basis of serious financial difficulty. The proposed transaction was considered and reviewed by a special committee of the board of directors of Tahera (comprised of Andrew Adams, Colin Benner, Robert Dickson and Patrick Lavelle, all of whom are free from any interests in the transaction and unrelated to any of the parties involved in the transaction), which was formed specifically to consider this transaction. Upon the recommendation of the special committee, Tahera's board determined that the Company is in serious financial difficulty, that the transaction is designed to improve Tahera's financial position and is reasonable in the circumstances of Tahera. As a result of these determinations, the board authorized Tahera to make application to the TSX for an exemption from the security holder approval requirements, which exemption has been granted by the TSX. Tahera expects that this financing with Teck Cominco will provide Tahera with sufficient cash to meet its financing needs, including working capital and capital improvements that may be necessary to optimize production from the Jericho Diamond Mine.
Tahera has scheduled a conference call at 4:15 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on Wednesday, November 15, 2006. Analysts and investors are invited to participate in the call by dialing 416-644-3433 or toll-free 1-800-732-0232. To access a conference replay (available at 6:15 p.m. EST), dial 416-640-1917 or toll-free 1-877-289-8525 and enter pass code 21209972, followed by the number sign.
Teck Cominco is a diversified mining company, headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. Its shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbols TCK.A and TCK.B and on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TCK. The company is a world leader in the production of zinc and metallurgical coal and is also a significant producer of copper, gold, indium and other specialty metals.
Tahera Diamond Corporation (www.tahera.com) is a unique Canadian diamond company. Tahera's primary asset is its wholly-owned Jericho Diamond Mine, which represents Canada's third and Nunavut's first diamond mine. Tahera has a diamond purchase and marketing arrangement with Tiffany & Co., one of the world's leading jewellers, ensuring that the Company receives competitive market prices for its Jericho diamonds. Tahera has several other prospective diamond projects in Canada's prolific Slave Craton, including the Muskox kimberlite joint venture project with De Beers Canada.
Forward-Looking Information
This press release contains "forward-looking information" that reflects Tahera Diamond Corporation's current expectations. When used in this report, words such as "estimate", "intend", "expect", "anticipate" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information, which is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made. By their very nature, they are not guarantees of Tahera's future operational or financial performance, and are subject to risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause Tahera's actual results, performance, prospects or opportunities to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by forward-looking information. These risks, uncertainties and factors may include, but are not limited to the risks and uncertainties identified in Tahera's latest Annual Information Form filed on www.SEDAR.com. Actual events may differ materially from current expectations. Tahera disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Tahera Diamond Corporation
R. Peter Gillin - Chairman and CEO
Grant Ewing - Executive Vice President
%SEDAR: 00003313E
SOURCE: Tahera Diamond Corporation
Investor Relations, Tel: (416) 777-1998, Fax: (416) 777-1898, Toll free: (877) 777-2004, Email: investor_relations@tahera.com, Website: www.tahera.com
Copyright (C) 2006 CNW Group. All
Tahera Diamond Corporation: Announces 2006 third quarter results release and conference call
Thursday October 26, 4:15 pm ET
http://www.tsodiloresources.com/i/pdf/Anatomy_RWM_Issue3_Basic.pdf#search='founder%20of%20canada%27s...
TORONTO, Oct. 26 /CNW/ - Tahera Diamond Corporation (TSX-"TAH") announces that 2006 third quarter results will be released on Thursday, November 2, 2006 after market close.
Tahera has scheduled a conference call at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on Friday, November 3, 2006. Analysts and investors are invited to participate in the call by dialing 416-644-3419 or toll-free 1-800-814-4890.
To access a conference replay (available at 12:00 p.m. EST) dial 416-640-1917 or toll-free 1-877-289-8525 and enter pass code 21206774, followed by the number sign.
Tahera Diamond Corporation
R. Peter Gillin - Chairman and CEO,
Grant Ewing - Executive Vice President
Not good news today- getting beat up - buying opportunity or a falling knife?
Nice map NWT.
http://www.wolfdenresources.com/i/pdf/Wolf_NU_Prop.pdf
Diamond miners eyeing bigger carat crop
New projects in pre-production planning stages
By Laura Severs - Business Edge
Published: 02/16/2006 - Vol. 6, No. 4
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Diamonds are about to add even more sparkle to the Canadian economy.
Canada is emerging as a major player in the world market, analysts say, with three new mines that are scheduled to come online over the next few years, two world-class operations already in production and exploration continuing across much of the country.
Diamond production, which has soared from zero to almost five million carats a year between 1998 and 2003, according to Statistics Canada, has more than doubled in the past two years alone.
Preliminary figures for Canadian diamond mine production in 2005 reveal a total of 12.3 million carats produced, estimated to be worth $1.7 billion, says Louis Perron, a senior policy adviser on diamonds for Natural Resources Canada (NRC).
Photo courtesy of the Diamond Information Centre
Open pit diamond mines are helping extract one of Canada's most precious mineral resources.
Though that number is lower than the 2004 figure of 12.7 million carats valued at $2.1 billion, and represents a drop of three per cent in quantity and a decline of 19.7 per cent in value, Perron points out that diamond production is down due to lower grades of ore processed at the country's only two mines, Diavik and Ekati, both located in the Northwest Territories.
But that still places Canada as third in production, behind world leader Botswana and the No. 2 producer, Russia.
Even though some industry reports say Canada is poised to become the world's No. 1 producer, Canadian diamond expert Pierre Leblanc says that while it could happen, he doesn't expect things to change overnight.
"Canadian production averages about 12 million carats, Botswana and Russia both produce around 30 million carats. That's a huge gap to fill and I don't think it will be filled in the immediate future," says Leblanc, principal of Ottawa-based Canadian Diamonds Consultants Inc.
However, he adds that it's an exciting time to be in the diamond sector, with exploration going on in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, the N.W.T. and Nunavut.
"We should be able to achieve a significantly larger portion of the market for a couple of reasons. With more and more mines coming online and, despite the fact that they are smaller, that is still going to increase the rough diamond market that Canada captures," Leblanc says.
He points to older diamond mines in areas such as Australia and South Africa that are either reducing production or shutting down due to depletion.
Canada's geology is also a factor - the country's Precambrian Shield is said to be the largest and most prospective terrain for diamonds in the world - and there is huge potential for additional finds, notes Leblanc.
According to Perron, preliminary exploration and deposit appraisal expenditures for 2005 show $290 million was spent by 123 companies.
One of those companies, British Columbia-based Diamonds North Resources Ltd., has 15 projects at varying stages of development.
"We've got one of the largest land positions in Canada and we're one of the most aggressive and we've got a very strong project portfolio," says company president and CEO Mark Kolebaba.
"Why are we looking for diamonds, as opposed to gold or other commodities? Each stone is valued individually. What we do know is the value of rough diamonds has increased 13 per cent to 15 per cent annually. The United States consumes about 50 per cent of the world's diamonds and that's been increasing.
"What you've got is a growing demand, diminishing supply, the shutting down of some mines, and it's a great opportunity," Kolebaba adds.
But as Diamonds North and others explore, Canada's third, and newest diamond mine - and Nunavut's first - is now a reality.
Toronto-based Tahera Diamond Corp.'s Jericho mine has produced its first diamonds and predicts it will attain commercial production by the end of the first quarter of this year.
The Jericho project has a life span of nine years, ending in 2014, and will employ 60 to 116 people for open-pit mining and 40 people over eight years for processing. Production is expected to be at 500,000-plus carats per year.
"Certainly for this company it is a major, major event. It is a principal asset," says Tahera chairman and CEO Peter Gillin. "We are in the phase-in and test period and expect to be in full commercial production by the first of April.
"It's (Jericho) a significant new development. It's not as large, of course, as Ekati and Diavik, but Tahera is the only fully Canadian-owned diamond mine operator, developer and explorer," says Gillin, adding that he believes the diamond sector is poised for a continued period of growth.
Tahera has a marketing alliance with Tiffany & Co. and an exploration alliance with De Beers.
Other diamond mines expected to open in the near future include De Beers' first project outside of Africa at Snap Lake in the N.W.T.
About 220 kilometres northeast of Yellowknife, Snap Lake is slated to begin production in 2007 and is estimated to have a 20-year lifespan. It will produce 1.5 million carats annually and employ 250 people.
"This is going to be significant," says Leblanc. "It's not as big as Diavik or Ekati, which are also in the N.W.T., but it will bring in additional economic and social benefits."
Brendan Bell, the minister of industry, tourism and investment for the N.W.T., says if it were not for diamonds, the territory's economic picture "would be pretty bleak today."
"In the mid-1990s we were really seeing low gold prices and tapped out reserves in our two gold mines, which have now closed, so we were faced with the loss of one of our more important economic sectors," says Bell.
De Beers expects to begin construction on its Victor project this year in the James Bay lowlands of northern Ontario. The open-pit mine should reach full production in 2009, but start producing in 2008. This mine has an expected life of 12 years and its production rate is projected to be 600,000 carats per year, employing 400 people.
De Beers also has two other operations, both joint projects, on the go.
Gahcho Kue, about 80 kilometres southeast of Snap Lake and approximately 300 kilometres northeast of Yellowknife, is a joint venture between De Beers Canada Exploration Inc. (51 per cent), Mountain Province Diamonds Inc. (44 per cent) and Camphor Ventures (4.9 per cent). If shown to be economical, Gahcho Kue could be put into production by 2011. Production is estimated at three million carats per year.
De Beers' other project, the Fort à la Corne Diamond Project, is located 50 kilometres northeast of Prince Albert, Sask. Home to one of the world's largest diamondiferous kimberlite clusters (rock formations in which diamonds can be found), it is a joint venture between De Beers Canada Exploration Inc. (42.25 per cent), Kensington Resources Ltd. (42.25 per cent), Cameco Corp. (5.5 per cent) and UEM Inc. (10 per cent).
The Saskatchewan government reports more than 30 companies are carrying on diamond exploration in the province, including Shore Gold Inc. and its Star project in the Fort à la Corne region.
Growth is also on the agenda at Ekati and Diavik. A $227-million Panda underground project at the Ekati mine started production in April 2005, notes the NRC's Perron.
"The project is expected to deliver approximately 4.7 million carats of high-value Panda diamonds over a six-year production life," he says.
They're also moving into a new phase at the Diavik mine, preparing for the transition to underground mining. "There is no underground mining now, it's being studied," says company spokesman Tom Hoefer. "The plan is to produce a feasibility study on underground mining and present it to the investors in January 2007."
Diamond Facts
The word 'diamond' comes from the ancient Greek word 'adamas,' meaning unconquerable. The ancient Greeks thought diamonds were tears of the gods. The ancient Romans thought diamonds were splinters of stars fallen to earth. Here are some facts on the Canadian retail diamond market:
* The diamond jewelry market in Canada is celebrating its seventh year of significant, consecutive growth.
* 78 per cent of all women in Canada own at least one piece of diamond jewelry.
* The average number of diamond jewelry pieces owned by a woman in Canada is 4.8. More than 30 per cent of Canadian women own five pieces or more.
* Married women account for 63 per cent of all diamond jewelry pieces owned in Canada; single women own 37 per cent.
* 20 per cent of all women claim they will purchase a piece of non-bridal diamond jewelry within the next three years.
* The average retail price paid for a piece of non-bridal diamond jewelry is $800. That said, diamond jewelry pieces that cost $1,000 - $3,000 represent 27 per cent of the pieces purchased and 50 per cent of the value.
Jericho diamond mine update
Tuesday January 31, 12:49 pm ET
TORONTO, Jan. 31 /CNW/ - Tahera Diamond Corporation (TSX-"TAH") announces that construction of its Jericho diamond mine is substantially complete and the first Jericho diamonds have been produced.
Highlights:
- Substantial completion of mine construction was accomplished by year-
end 2005, and mine commissioning is underway
- The first Jericho diamonds have been produced
- An experienced mine operations team is in place to handle successful
transition to an operating mine
- The mine is scheduled to achieve commercial production by April 2006
- The project had an excellent health and safety record during the
construction phase
Tahera accomplished substantial completion of construction of the Jericho diamond mine in less than 12 months. A test batch of kimberlite was fed through the processing plant in late January 2006, and diamonds have been recovered. Commissioning of the process plant and production ramp-up is ongoing through the first quarter of 2006, and the process plant is scheduled to attain full production (2,000 tonnes per day) by the end of March 2006. The number of carats and value of diamonds produced will not be known until the Company completes its first sale. Tahera expects to have revenue from the sale of diamonds prior to the end of the first quarter of 2006. Production results for the first quarter of 2006 will be reported in the Company's first quarter report, scheduled for release in May 2006.
The winter road that is used to mobilize bulk supplies to the arctic diamond mines is expected to be operational in February, approximately two weeks later than in previous years. Approximately 450 truck loads of materials and supplies are expected to be mobilized to the Jericho mine-site during February and March, 2006.
Exploration
Tahera commenced the Muskox kimberlite evaluation program in January 2006. The program will include the extraction of a kimberlite sample by large diameter reverse circulation drilling, and approximately 5,000 metres of core delineation drilling. The core drilling component of the program, which will provide geological data for final planning of the large diameter drilling program, started in January. The large diameter drill rig is expected to commence drilling in March 2006.
Results from the current program should provide Tahera with sufficient data to conduct an assessment of the diamond grade potential and diamond value potential of the MKU-A unit of the Muskox kimberlite. Limited drilling to assess the diamond grade potential of the MKU-B unit will also be performed. Depending on the sample processing rate, results are expected during the third quarter of 2006.
Mr. Eugene Flood, P. Geol., is Tahera's qualified person as defined in National Instrument 43-101 for its exploration programs.
First Diamonds Produced
http://www.stockhouse.com/news/news.asp?newsid=3414220&tick=TAH
Thanks for the update. This is a company about which it is difficult to obtain good information . I knew they had enough money to get them through 2006, but wonder how long they can go before producing income??
Tahera Diamond Corp. plans a busy year building its long-awaited Jericho diamond mine, but the company also plans to step up its exploration effort. Two key projects, the Anuri and Muskox pipes, could offer added hope if the company can deliver promotable quantities of diamonds from them. The two bodies have lower grades than Jericho, but the sizes of the pipes make them of interest. Muskox could prove particularly promotable, because of its proximity to the Jericho site. As well, the hunt for new kimberlites will go on. Tahera has had little luck at finding new bodies in recent years, but the dogged explorer has some encouraging targets.
The Muskox test
The large Muskox pipe, about 14 kilometres west of Jericho, is shaping up to be a major target for Tahera this spring. The company received the right to explore the kimberlite and the surrounding Polar project last summer, through a deal with De Beers Canada Corp. De Beers spent much of the past decade poking about on the property, which lies about 150 kilometres north-northwest of the Ekati diamond mine.
De Beers discovered at least a few other kimberlites on the Polar property, but the results from the Voyageur, Rush and Unicorn pipes apparently paled in comparison with the Muskox tallies. De Beers found enough diamonds in its first investigation that the company completed two mini-bulk tests, although the size of the pipe also added to the interest.
The Muskox kimberlite pipe covers an area about 250 metres in diameter at the surface, and that suggests a potential surface area of about five hectares. That makes Muskox significantly larger than Jericho or even its larger sister, JD/OD-3. As a result, the body could supply a significant amount of kimberlite to the Jericho project, even if only parts of the body prove to be potentially economic.
The mini-bulk tests suggested a modest diamond content, but with signs of grade variations. De Beers recovered an 11.5-tonne batch of kimberlite by reverse circulation drilling and the rock produced 5.3 carats. That pointed to a grade of about 0.46 carat per tonne.
A larger test resulted from a core drilling program. The mining giant extracted 35.5 tonnes of material and the rock contained 11.5 carats, good for a grade of 0.32 carat per tonne. In all, the 47 tonnes of Muskox kimberlite yielded 16.8 carats of diamonds. That suggested a grade of 0.36 carat per tonne.
Curiously, Tahera elected to take a crack at Voyageur, not Muskox, when it launched its exploration effort last summer. The company poked a few holes into the pipe, which lies about 12 kilometres north-northwest of Muskox. The program was not a resounding success. Tahera hit kimberlite in one of its tests, but it had to abandon the hole after recovering just 33 metres of kimberlite core. That was enough to send for processing, but the lack of news is not encouraging.
Tahera also drilled holes into several existing targets scattered about the Polar property. The company had no luck with that program, failing to hit a single kimberlite. There still are some unresolved trains of indicator minerals on the Polar property, and Tahera plans to explore the head regions in closer detail with a geophysical program. That work will likely lead to another drill program later this year.
The main push on Polar this spring will be at Muskox. Despite the earlier drilling and mini-bulk sampling programs by De Beers, significant portions of the large pipe remain untested. As a result, Tahera now plans to take a first look in these areas of the body. The company anticipates extracting about six tonnes of drill core starting this month, and most of the rock will likely be assessed for its diamond content.
That will allow Tahera to prepare a rough estimate of the potential variations in grade across the multiphased pipe. As well, Tahera should have a better idea of the geometry of Muskox. If the results are encouraging, Tahera could push the project forward, attempting a much larger sample in the future.
The company has experience with large tests. In the latter half of the 1990s, it extracted 15,000 tonnes of kimberlite from the Jericho pipe and eventually processed about 9,400 tonnes of the material. That program yielded over 10,500 carats and put the 1.2-hectare pipe on the long road to becoming Nunavut's first diamond mine.
Without any firm data from Muskox, the results of that larger Jericho test offer a crude indication of the potential of the old De Beers project. Tahera recovered several large diamonds from Jericho, and the size distribution of the bulk sample was impressive. The company now pegs the value of its Jericho diamonds at roughly $100 (U.S.) per carat.
Should that value also be indicative of the value of the Muskox gems, the average rock value could run close to $40 (U.S.) per tonne, if the grades obtained in the earlier tests are accurate. Such a value might be marginally economic as added feed to Tahera's plant, during the latter stages of the Jericho operation.
The real potential of Muskox could lie in higher-grade zones. Based on the results from Jericho and other nearby kimberlites, it seems reasonable to expect that the big pipe will have several phases of kimberlite, each with a unique diamond content. Parts of Jericho have grades that run below one-third of a carat per tonne, while a core region within the pipe has a grade approaching two carats per tonne.
If Muskox also has a higher-grade region, it could produce a profitable supply of material to Jericho's plant and allow Tahera to up its production rate. Even a smaller fraction of the large pipe could have a big impact on Tahera's Jericho project.
With steep walls, a five-hectare pipe could hold more than 25 million tonnes of kimberlite to a depth of 300 metres. Even one-third of that amount would handily exceed the kimberlite resource present in Jericho. That size potential is a major factor in Tahera's interest in the play.
Tahera can earn a 50-per-cent interest in the Polar project by spending $11-million by 2008, but it could boost its share to 75 per cent in Muskox-sized projects by making cash payments to De Beers. In a curious twist to their Polar deal, Tahera can operate and control projects with a deemed value of less than $750-million.
Meanwhile, the diamond giant would be operator and control any larger discoveries that the partners may find. Because of the arrangement, Tahera would likely wind up with a 75-per-cent stake in Muskox, should it find enough economic rock to incorporate the pipe into the latter stages of its Jericho play.
The Anuri test
Tahera also plans its biggest drill program yet on the Anuri complex, about 225 kilometres northwest of Ekati and 85 kilometres northwest of Muskox. That places the twin pipe too far away to become part of Jericho, and that resulted in a slow exploration pace since the pipe turned up in 2001.
The Anuri complex produced toutable tallies of microdiamonds in the early core samples and the hauls included some larger stones. Those diamonds offered hope that the body had a better diamond size distribution curve than other pipes farther to the north, within the developing North Slave play. Included among the Anuri gems was a 0.75-carat stone that still ranks as the largest diamond recovered in the North Slave district.
All that pointed to a quick mini-bulk test, but it took a few years before the Anuri partners tried even a modest look. Tahera had a major for a partner at the time, through Kennecott Canada Exploration Inc. Like De Beers, the exploration arm of Rio Tinto was hunting elephants, while decidedly smaller game would intrigue its junior partner.
With Kennecott calling the shots, the search turned to finding more kimberlites in the area surrounding Anuri, rather than trying to determine the grade of the pipe itself. That seemed a reasonable approach at the time, as Anuri alone would not become a mine with anything close to Diavik proportions. After poking about on the property for a few years, Kennecott gave up its hunt, although the company still holds a one-quarter stake in Anuri itself.
Still, there is little understanding of the grade at Anuri and the diamond content of its sister, Anuri East, is largely an unknown. The partners did process about 2.5 tonnes of material in 2003, coming up with about one carat of diamonds. That suggested a grade of 0.40 carat per tonne. Adding in the larger stones from the earlier tests results in a higher value, although the one large stone does skew the 0.6-carat-per-tonne figure somewhat.
Nevertheless, the result does suggest that Anuri has a significant grade. Tiny samples are prone to large degrees of statistical variation and it will take a larger test to better assess the grade potential of the pipe. Tahera plans to drill up about six tonnes of kimberlite from the Anuri complex this spring, and the company will recover microdiamonds from at least half of the rock.
That will provide a better idea of the geometry and diamond content of the various kimberlite phases within the two Anuri pipes. Nevertheless, it will take a much larger sample to accurately determine the grade and value potential of the complex. Tahera is mulling the prospects of such a program, but any such decision will hinge on the outcome of the program planned for this spring.
Any thoughts on the share count... ?
The present share value has not even hit the JD-1 value yet, let alone the 2.5x bigger Muskox 'included' value, or the 20+ other kim's value.
Even when the share price gets UP TO JD-1's value, or over $3 to include Muskox's value, that's not 'TAHERA's' value.
Next week is probably the last chance to get in at deeply discounted prices before Canada's 3rd Diamond mine approaches Full Production (1st 100% Canadian mine)... the share price will continue climbing as FULL PRODUCTION nears NEXT QUARTER, so why wait for over $1 to get in?
The news a month ago shows MKU-A and MKU-B with 2.5x the SIZE of JD-1 (Jericho) and with a better overall grade of diamonds... and within trucking distance to process at the Jericho (JD-1) mine processing plant (hence no capital costs to build another plant!)
The analysts were saying .75 to .90 'just' for JD-1 and the market is just starting to get there, let alone adjust to the EXTRA 2.5x+ in size and just starting to add it to the base share value IMO! (over $1 in Jan IMHO!)
The next base, even on only 1/2 the MKU value, IMO puts Tahera's 'low' basement bottom base at OVER $1.50... then to $3 by June when the earnings reports start to come in, and even higher when new Muskox numbers and mine/pit confirmation come in!
JMO... but Tahera's at a prime point in it's life-cycle to invest as much as possible... as there is almost 0% downside IMO, barring a nuclear war, or a government falling or something... in which case the whole market would be screwed!
Again... JMO... but if you research ABER, Diamet, Winspear, etc... you'll see what I mean about catching this wave or getting on the train before full production next quarter!
Anyone who bought Aber before full production more than doubled their money. EVERYONE who bought Winspear made money when the company was bought out for the Snap Lake find. Diamond investors that HOLD LONG, will all be winners IMO!
Have you burned a shorter lately? Isn't it time? Buy in before mine commissioning in the upcoming days, burn the shorts, and make a nice profit when the earnings coming in, or hold longer for even more profit...
If you ARE already a shareholder, remember to put in LIMIT sell Orders and Ask $5 or more for all your shares, good for 30 days and keep renewing them, to keep the shorters from using your shares.
JMO! Have a great evening and New Year!
New high of .70 cents today. Things finally happening here.
Tahera to conduct Muskox kimberlite evaluation
Wed Nov 30, 2005 05:02 PM ET
TORONTO, Nov 30 (Reuters) - Tahera Diamond Corp. (TAH.TO: Quote, Profile, Research) issued the following statement on Wednesday. Its stock was halted on the Toronto Stock Exchange pending the news.
TORONTO, Ontario - Tahera Diamond Corporation plans to conduct a large-scale Muskox kimberlite evaluation program commencing in February 2006. An 800 to 1,300 tonne kimberlite sample will be extracted by large diameter reverse circulation drilling, and 3,000 to 5,000 meters of delineation core drilling will be completed. The budget for the 2006 program is approximately $13 million. The 2006 program should provide Tahera with sufficient data to conduct an assessment of the diamond grade potential and diamond value potential of the kimberlite. The goal of the evaluation program is to develop a mineral resource estimate for the Muskox kimberlite over the next 24-month period.
The kimberlite is comprised of at least two volumetrically significant units: the MKU-A unit and the MKU-B unit, both of which are highly diamondiferous. The MKU-A unit has been interpreted as magmatic kimberlite and the MKU-B unit has been interpreted as volcaniclastic kimberlite. Each unit comprises approximately one-half of the volume of the pipe. The kimberlite occupies a surface area of approximately 4 hectares, making it in excess of 2 times the size of the Jericho pipe. Current tonnage estimates for the Muskox kimberlite are approximately 12 to 14 million tonnes to a depth of 250 meters , however further delineation is required to determine an accurate figure. The Muskox kimberlite lies approximately 14 kilometers west of the Jericho pipe, which is well within trucking distance of the Jericho mine-site (see press release dated October 18, 2005 for recent Muskox exploration results).
The Muskox kimberlite is part of the Company's joint venture with De Beers Canada Inc. under which Tahera has the option to earn a 50 - 75% interest (see press release dated June 8, 2004).
Tahera retained Mineral Services Canada Inc., a geological consulting company that specializes in evaluation of kimberlite , to conduct a review of the Muskox kimberlite data that was generated during Tahera's 2005 exploration program. Based on a preliminary assessment of the microdiamond grade and size distribution information, Mineral Services concluded that the MKU-A unit shows potential for macrodiamond grades in excess of 1 carat per tonne. Data for samples of MKU-B material indicate a lower diamond grade potential for this unit. The microdiamonds from both units were found to be of exceptional quality however the relationship between microdiamond and macrodiamond population characteristics is undetermined.
Although the sample size is small, the Mineral Services preliminary review indicates that the Muskox kimberlite has good diamond grade potential. These results suggest higher grade potential than that indicated by a small bulk sampling program undertaken by De Beers in 1997 (see SEDAR filed technical report dated March 31, 2005). While the reasons for this discrepancy are unclear, the recent microdiamond results are sufficiently compelling to justify additional bulk sampling to more reliably determine the diamond grade of the Muskox kimberlite. The quality of the Muskox microdiamonds is encouraging but further work is required to determine potential macrodiamond values. Mineral Services will continue to work with the Company during the Muskox kimberlite evaluation program.
Other Exploration
Tahera's total exploration budget for 2006 is approximately $15 million. In addition to the Muskox program, Tahera will continue to explore its other advanced exploration properties, and investigate new diamond exploration opportunities in Canada.
Mr. Eugene Flood, P. Geol., is Tahera's qualified person as defined in National Instrument 43-101 for its exploration programs. The Muskox kimberlite sample collected during Tahera's 2005 exploration program was processed at the Saskatchewan Research Council Geoanalytical Laboratory ("SRC") in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
Flow-Through Financing
Tahera also announced today that it has entered into an agreement with a syndicate of underwriters led by National Bank Financial Inc., pursuant to which the syndicate has agreed to purchase 13,235,300 flow-through common shares from treasury at a price of $0.68 per share for gross proceeds of approximately $9 million. Closing is anticipated to occur on or about December 15, 2005, and is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals, including the approval of the Toronto Stock Exchange. The proceeds from this financing will be utilized to fund the 2006 exploration program on the Company's diamond projects in Nunavut.
Tahera Diamond Corporation: Third quarter report
Friday November 4, 4:52 pm ET
TORONTO, Nov. 4 /CNW/ -
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Highlights of the Third Quarter:
- Jericho diamond mine construction schedule on track for substantial
completion by year-end
- Positive exploration results from Muskox kimberlite sampling program;
planning large-scale Muskox kimberlite evaluation program
- Summer exploration program completed; further encouraging results
from the Anuri kimberlite sampling program
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Development
Tahera Diamond Corporation made substantial progress on the construction of the Jericho diamond mine during the third quarter. The current development schedule remains on track for physical completion of mine construction by year-end, with full commercial diamond production targeted at the end of the first quarter of 2006.
During the third quarter, the concrete work and steel erection at the mine-site was completed, and all of the buildings were enclosed. The interior mechanical and electrical work in the facilities commenced, and the work is proceeding ahead of schedule. The power plant was commissioned during the third quarter, and construction of the 10 million litre capacity fuel tank farm was completed. Pre-stripping of approximately 1.8 million tonnes of waste occurred, successfully exposing kimberlite ore in the open-pit.
Tahera continues to expand its workforce in a tight mining employment market, resulting in the hiring of additional key mine-site personnel. The project continues to have an excellent safety record during the construction phase, with over 350,000 man-hours worked, and no lost time accidents.
The Company has made changes to the pre-production earthworks schedule resulting in certain activities previously contemplated for the first three months of next year now being undertaken during the remainder of 2005. It is estimated that an additional one million tonnes of overburden will be removed from the starter pit during the pre-production period. This timing difference will result in additional costs being incurred during the pre-production period, thereby increasing the overall capitalized cost of the Jericho diamond mine, but should also result in a decrease in operating expenditures during 2006. The capital cost estimate for construction of the Jericho diamond mine assets therefore has increased to $99.7 million from the previously reported estimate of $94.4 million, though the total estimated spending on the project remains unchanged. Based on the costs to date and current forecasts, management believes this cost estimate is achievable and that the Company has sufficient financial resources available to complete the project, through existing funds on hand and through the $35 million credit facility available with Tiffany & Co. Subsequent to the end of the third quarter, Tahera drew funds from the Tiffany & Co. credit facility totaling approximately $10 million. During the fourth quarter, Tahera is anticipating substantial completion of mine construction. Final work on the maintenance shop and emulsion plant is planned, and the process plant is scheduled for commissioning.
Exploration
Muskox Kimberlite Evaluation Program
Tahera's primary exploration strategy is to increase reserves in the area that is within trucking distance of the Jericho diamond plant. Further exploration and potential development of the neighboring Polar (De Beers joint venture) property ties directly into this core exploration strategy.
The Muskox kimberlite, located on the Polar property, is a large diamondiferous kimberlite that currently represents the best potential to increase reserves in the Jericho area. Excellent synergies exist with respect to potential development of this kimberlite, due to its proximity to the Jericho mine-site. Tahera has the option to earn a 50 - 75% interest in the Polar property from partner De Beers Canada Exploration Inc.
Based on the encouraging results returned to date, Tahera is planning to conduct a large-scale evaluation program to assess the economic potential of the Muskox kimberlite. The goal of the program, set to commence in early 2006, is to develop a mineral resource estimate for the kimberlite over the next 24 months. The 2006 program budget is expected to be approximately $12 million, and will include an extensive core delineation drilling component, and a large diameter reverse circulation drilling component. The evaluation program will provide Tahera with sufficient data to conduct an assessment of the diamond grade potential of the kimberlite and a preliminary assessment of its diamond value potential. A comprehensive environmental baseline program is planned as part of the overall Muskox kimberlite evaluation plan.
The Polar property also hosts a number of unresolved kimberlite indicator mineral trains that indicate further kimberlite discoveries are possible. Mapping and till sampling conducted during the summer months allowed Tahera to define existing kimberlite indicator mineral trains in more detail, resulting in better definition of future drill targets.
Other Exploration
The Jericho claims are considered prospective for further discovery, as several unresolved kimberlite indicator mineral trains exist on the claims. Tahera will have the opportunity to assess the economic potential of known kimberlites on the Jericho claims that require further evaluation (i.e. JD-3 kimberlite) in a cost efficient manner by using the drilling equipment that will be on-site for the Muskox sampling campaign. The Anuri kimberlite joint venture, located 90 kilometres northwest of the Jericho mine-site on the Rockinghorse property, is an important component of Tahera's exploration portfolio. Planning with respect to further exploration work on the Anuri project and on Tahera's other exploration properties is ongoing.
Mr. Eugene Flood, P. Geol., is Tahera's qualified person as defined in National Instrument 43-101 for its exploration programs.
Restatement of First and Second Quarter Financial Results for 2005
During the three months ended March 31, 2005, the Company renounced flow-through expenditures of $3,000,000 to investors, but did not record the tax impact to the Company of the renouncement, as required by the accounting pronouncement EIC-146. Under the terms of Canadian flow-through share legislation, the tax attributes of qualifying expenditures are renounced to subscribers. The tax impact to the Company of the renouncement is recorded, pursuant to EIC-146 on the date that the Company renounces the tax deductions, through a decrease in share capital and the recognition of a future tax liability. This future income tax liability is then reduced by the recognition of previously unrecorded future income tax assets on unused tax losses and deductions. The adjustment to record the tax impact decreased share capital and increased the recovery of future income taxes by $1,084,000. This amount should have been recorded in the first quarter of 2005 and as a result the Company will be restating and refiling its first and second quarter financial statements and management discussion and analysis for these periods. This correction has no impact on the cash flow of the Company.
2005 Third Quarter Results
At September 30, 2005, Tahera's cash balance is $8,637,000, a decrease of $49,252,000 from the balance at December 31, 2004. Capital and other non- current assets increased by $84,045,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2005, primarily due to capitalized costs associated with the construction and development of the Jericho diamond mine. The Company recorded a net loss of $658,000 ($0.001 per share) for the quarter ended September 30, 2005, as compared to a loss of $571,000 ($0.001 per share) for the quarter ended September 30, 2004. Operating expenses increased to $691,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2005, compared to $615,000 for the third quarter of 2004.
Financial Statement Highlights (in thousands of Canadian
dollars, except for per share data):
As at As at
Sep. 30, Dec. 31,
2005 2004
(unaudited)
Current Assets $ 14,056 $ 58,397
Capital and Other Assets 141,926 57,881
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$ 155,982 $ 116,278
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Current Liabilities $ 12,676 $ 3,499
Long-Term Liabilities 5,241 -
Share Capital - Common Shares 137,818 113,164
Common Share Purchase Warrants 1,340 418
Contributed Surplus 2,839 1,739
Deficit (3,932) (2,542)
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$ 155,982 $ 116,278
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Nine Months Nine Months
Ended Ended
Sep. 30, Sep. 30,
2005 2004
(unaudited) (unaudited)
Operating Expenses $ (2,672) $ (2,018)
Other Items 371 221
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Loss for the Period before Income Taxes (2,301) (1,797)
Income Taxes - Current (173) (93)
Income Taxes - Future 1,084 -
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Net Loss for the Period $ (1,390) $ (1,890)
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Loss per Share - Basic and Diluted $ (0.002) $ (0.004)
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Cash Flows From (Used In):
Operating Activities $ (1,753) $ (1,466)
Investing Activities (73,232) (3,429)
Financing Activities 25,733 3,357
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Net Decrease in Cash (49,252) (1,538)
Cash - Beginning of Period 57,889 13,595
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Cash - End of Period $ 8,637 $ 12,057
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Please refer to Tahera's website (www.tahera.com) to view the complete
financial report.
Forward-Looking Statements
The above contains forward-looking statements that are subject to a
number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may
cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in our
forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause such differences include:
changes in world diamond markets, equity markets, costs and supply of
materials relevant to the construction of the Jericho Diamond Project, change
in government and changes to regulations affecting the Jericho Diamond
Project. Although we believe the expectations reflected in our forward-looking
statements are reasonable, results may vary, and we cannot guarantee future
results, levels of activity, performance or achievements.
On Behalf of the Board,
R. Peter Gillin Chairman and CEO
Tahera Diamond Corporation
Grant Ewing Executive Vice President
This stock is going to make alot of people alot of MONEY.
Tahera Diamond Corporation announces Muskox and Anuri kimberlite exploration results; Planning for large-scale Muskox kimberlite evaluation program underway
10/18/2005
TORONTO, Oct. 18, 2005 (Canada NewsWire via COMTEX) --
Tahera is pleased to report further results from its spring 2005 exploration program.
Muskox Kimberlite
The Muskox kimberlite is made up of at least two volumetrically significant units; the MKU-A unit and MKU-B unit, both of which are highly diamondiferous. The kimberlite occupies a surface area of approximately 4- hectares, which is 2.5 times larger than that of the Jericho kimberlite, with each unit comprising roughly half of the volume of the pipe.
Excellent synergies exist with respect to potential development of the Muskox kimberlite, as it lies within trucking distance of the Jericho diamond processing plant. Tahera has the option to earn a 50 - 75% interest in the project from partner De Beers Canada Exploration Inc. (see press release dated June 8, 2004).
A 3,692-kilogram Muskox kimberlite sample derived from a combination of Tahera's 915-metre (four NQ and HQ core drill-holes) spring drilling program, and a De Beers sample (two HQ drill-holes totaling 500 metres), was processed by caustic dissolution at the Saskatchewan Research Council Geoanalytical Laboratory ("SRC") in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Core from all six holes was logged in detail and then split, with one half of the core being sampled, and the other half being retained for further geological analysis.
Tahera is very encouraged by the results returned from the current program. A 943-kilogram sample of the MKU-A unit (hypabyssal kimberlite) returned more than 30,000 stones greater than 0.075 mm, and a 2,749-kilogram sample of the MKU-B unit (volcaniclastic kimberlite) returned more than 42,000 stones greater than 0.075 mm. The following tables summarize the results:
<< Table 1: 2005 caustic fusion results for the Muskox MKU-A unit ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lower Sieve Upper Sieve (mm square mesh) (mm square mesh) Total Carats Total Stones ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 0.075 0.105 0.15 17,015 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 0.105 0.150 0.19 8,466 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 0.150 0.212 0.18 3,154 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 0.212 0.300 0.20 1,325 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 0.300 0.425 0.17 399 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 0.425 0.600 0.19 150 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 0.600 0.850 0.22 56 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 0.850 1.180 0.28 30 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1.180 1.700 0.39 16 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1.700 2.360 0.37 6 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2.360 3.350 0.58 3 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- MKU-A unit (942.95 kg) 2.91 30,620 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- MKU-A greater than 0.85 mm 1.62 55 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table 2: 2005 caustic fusion results for the Muskox MKU-B unit ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lower Sieve Upper Sieve (mm square mesh) (mm square mesh) Total Carats Total Stones ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 0.075 0.105 0.20 22,768 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 0.105 0.150 0.27 12,127 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 0.150 0.212 0.26 4,399 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 0.212 0.300 0.30 1,920 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 0.300 0.425 0.28 617 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 0.425 0.600 0.28 202 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 0.600 0.850 0.41 112 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 0.850 1.180 0.36 38 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1.180 1.700 0.44 18 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1.700 2.360 0.27 4 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2.360 3.350 - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- MKU-B unit (2748.95 kg) 3.06 42,205 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- MKU-B greater than 0.85 mm 1.07 60 -------------------------------------------------------------------------
The combined 3,692-kilogram sample returned 2.69 carats above a 0.85 mm cutoff.
The five largest stones recovered included a 5.0 x 3.05 x 2.0 mm (0.16 carats, amber, octahedron, fragment); a 4.3 x 3.3 x 2.5 mm (0.31 carats, colourless, octahedron); a 3.5 x 2.5 x 1.56 mm (0.064 carats, white, fragment); a 3.24 x 2.1 x 1.4 mm (0.098 carats, amber) and a 3.25 x 2.75 x 2.25 mm (0.102 carats, white octahedroid fragment) diamond.
Stones above 0.3 mm were described in detail by SRC for many physical properties including color, clarity and crystal morphology. Tahera is very encouraged with the diamond quality indications from the results. Over 95% of the stones have been described as transparent or translucent, colourless stones make up 61% of the parcel described, and a population of pink stones has been observed, accounting for 2% of the diamonds including several stones larger than 1.180 mm. More than 60% of the diamonds described from these samples are octahedrons or octahedroids while 31% remain unclassified.
The results from the MKU-A unit are higher than expected and confirm that the Muskox kimberlite has significant diamond grade potential. The MKU-B unit has a lower diamond content, however the diamond quality indications are very encouraging.
Planning for large-scale evaluation program underway
Based on these encouraging results, Tahera has commenced planning activities with regard to a large-scale Muskox kimberlite evaluation program. The goal of the program, which is set to commence in early 2006, is to develop a mineral resource estimate for the kimberlite over the next 24 months. The evaluation program will include an extensive core delineation drilling program and a bulk sample program to accurately outline the geology, tonnage, and diamond grade and value potential of the kimberlite.
A comprehensive environmental baseline program will be completed as part of the overall evaluation plan. The merits of constructing an all weather access road from the Jericho kimberlite to the Muskox kimberlite will also be assessed. This road would pass by Tahera's JD-3 kimberlite, which lies approximately half way between the Jericho and Muskox kimberlites. The diamondiferous JD-3 kimberlite requires further evaluation to determine its economic potential.
A formal decision with regard to the final details of the Muskox evaluation program will be made during the fourth quarter, following a complete assessment of the Muskox data.
Anuri Kimberlite
The Anuri kimberlite is a 3.5-hectare multi-phase body made up of two kimberlite lobes that coalesce into a single pipe near surface. Historical results from caustic dissolution of a 3,963-kilogram sample returned 5,725 diamonds greater than 0.15 mm, including a 0.79 carat colourless octahedron stone.
The Anuri kimberlite is located 90 kilometres northwest of the Jericho mine-site on the Rockinghorse property. Tahera is the operator and holds a 75% interest in the project, with partner Kennecott Canada Exploration Inc. holding a 25% interest.
Tahera conducted a five-hole NQ drilling program in the spring, resulting in the collection of a 1,900-kilogram sample from the west lobe of the kimberlite. A half-split of the drill core was sent to Saskatchewan Research Council Geoanalytical Laboratories ("SRC") in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan for caustic fusion processing.
The 944.4-kilogram sample yielded 3,900 stones greater than 0.075 mm including 25 stones greater than 0.85 mm. The following table summarizes the results:
Table 3: 2005 caustic fusion results for the Anuri kimberlite ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lower Sieve Upper Sieve (mm square mesh) (mm square mesh) Total Carats Total Stones ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 0.075 0.105 0.01 1153 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 0.105 0.150 0.03 984 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 0.150 0.212 0.05 744 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 0.212 0.300 0.10 584 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 0.300 0.425 0.14 289 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 0.425 0.600 0.15 119 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 0.600 0.850 0.21 63 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 0.850 1.180 0.13 15 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1.180 1.700 0.32 10 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1.700 2.360 - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2.360 3.350 - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Western lobe (944.4 kg) 1.13 3961 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Western lobe greater than 0.85 mm 0.45 25 -------------------------------------------------------------------------
The three largest stones recovered included a 2.44 x 1.94 x 1.66 mm (0.048 carats, grey, octahedron); a 2.18 x 2.14 x 1.34 mm (0.056 carats, colourless, octahedron) and a 2.12 x 1.96 x 1.22 mm (0.040 carats, white, macle) diamond.
Tahera retains approximately 950 kilograms of the 2005 kimberlite material which will be utilized for further geological analysis. A 3 x 3 mm diamond was observed in this drill core split, and is not included in the above results. Although difficult to gauge accurately, the estimated sieve size and weight of this stone is greater than 2.36 mm sieve and between 0.1 to 0.3 carats.
Analysis of the diamond distribution and geology of the Anuri kimberlite will continue, leading to a decision regarding the next evaluation program for this highly diamondiferous kimberlite.
Mr. Eugene Flood, P. Geol., is Tahera's qualified person as defined in National Instrument 43-101 for its exploration programs.
Jericho Diamond Mine
The construction schedule for the Jericho Diamond Mine is on track. Substantial completion of mine construction is targeted by year-end, and commercial diamond production is forecast to begin at the end of the first quarter of 2006.
Tahera Diamond Corporation (www.tahera.com) is a unique Canadian diamond Company focused on developing its wholly-owned Jericho Diamond Project as CANADA'S NEXT and NUNAVUT'S FIRST DIAMOND MINE. Tahera recently entered into an arrangement with Tiffany & Co., one of the world's leading jewelers, with respect to a diamond purchase and marketing agreement, and a finance agreement for the Jericho Diamond Project. Tahera has several other prospective diamond projects in Canada's prolific Slave Craton. The common shares of the Company trade on the TSX under the symbol 'TAH'.
>>
%SEDAR: 00003313E
SOURCE: Tahera Diamond Corporation
Tahera Diamond Corporation, R. Peter Gillin - Chairman and CEO, Grant Ewing - Executive Vice President, Corporate Development, Investor Relations: Tel: (416) 777-1998, Fax: (416) 777-1898, Toll free: (877) 777-2004, Email: investor_relations@tahera.com, Website: www.tahera.com
Jusbrowsing, There has been no posts on this site since July, is this normal or has the board for this stock moved to another name ? Second, Any thoughts on how bad the reverse split will hit us ?
Tahera Diamond Corporation: Second Quarter Report
TORONTO, July 25 /CNW/ -
Highlights of the second quarter:
- Jericho diamond mine construction on target for substantial completion
by year-end
- Additional senior staff appointed
- Additional equity financings completed to fund Jericho diamond mine
construction and remaining 2005 exploration program
- Spring exploration program completed
Development
Tahera Diamond Corporation continued to make excellent progress on the
construction of its Jericho diamond mine during the second quarter. The
current development schedule projects substantial completion of mine
construction by the end of the year, with commercial diamond production
targeted at the end of the first quarter of 2006.
The 200-man camp was completed and occupied on schedule in early May.
Construction of the fuel tank farm is nearing completion, which will result in
fuel storage capacity of over 10 million litres of fuel. Site earth works and
the pouring of concrete foundations are ongoing, and steel erection for the
process plant has commenced. The project continues to have an excellent safety
record, with approximately 200,000 man-hours worked without a lost time
accident.
Personnel
Tahera Diamond Corporation appointed the senior management team for the
Jericho diamond mine in April. Roland Jones (Mine Manager) and Harold Gates
(Operations Manager) were joined by Allan Reeves (Director of Mine Planning)
to bring extensive northern and diamond mining experience to the Company.
Tahera has also appointed a very experienced senior level Director of Security
to oversee the implementation of the Company's security program.
Exploration
Tahera's spring exploration program focused on further assessment of the
economic potential of both the Muskox and Anuri kimberlites. Previous drilling
on these kimberlites indicates that they both have considerable tonnage and
diamond grade potential.
The Muskox kimberlite deposit (Polar Project, De Beers Joint Venture),
located just 14 kilometres west of the Jericho mine site, is a large
diamondiferous kimberlite (surface area of approximately 4 hectares) that
contains at least two distinct geologic phases. Tahera can earn a 50% interest
in the Polar Project from partner De Beers Canada, by completing expenditures
of $11 million by 2008. Approximately $3 million has been spent to date.
During the spring program, four evaluation drill-holes totaling
915 metres of drilling were completed to test previously unsampled areas of
the Muskox kimberlite deposit. Two other previously unsampled Muskox drill
holes, collected by De Beers in 2003, were logged and sampled. In total,
approximately 3,800 kilograms of kimberlite from the 6 drill-holes will be
processed by caustic fusion at the Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) diamond
laboratory, with the final sample results available during the third quarter.
Complete analysis of the new and existing drill core and diamond results
from the Muskox kimberlite deposit will be utilized to update the geologic
model of the kimberlite. This analysis will lead to a decision regarding a
large bulk sampling campaign to ascertain its diamond valuation potential.
The exploration program on the Rockinghorse property, located
90 kilometres northwest of the Jericho mine site, included evaluation drilling
of the Anuri kimberlite deposit (Tahera 75%, Kennecott 25%), ground geophysics
on several priority target areas, and exploration drilling in the area.
Five evaluation drill holes totaling 605 metres were completed on the
Anuri kimberlite deposit during the program, resulting in the collection of a
1,954 kilogram sample. The drilling program extended the western and northern
area of the deposit, and the current surface area is now estimated to measure
approximately 3.5 hectares. Of particular interest was the occurrence of an
octahedron-shaped colourless diamond measuring approximately 3 mm by 3 mm that
was logged in the drill core, as it is a rare occurrence for commercial size
diamonds to be visible in drill core.
Caustic fusion analysis of the two tonne sample from the Anuri kimberlite
deposit is underway at SRC's laboratory in Saskatoon, with final results
expected during the third quarter. A decision regarding a large diamond
valuation bulk sample will be made based on the results of this work.
Ground magnetic and gravity survey data collected during the spring
exploration program from the Polar Project and Rockinghorse property will be
utilized to determine and prioritize exploration targets for future programs.
The sources of several promising kimberlite indicator mineral trains on the
properties remain unsolved.
Tahera's 2005 summer program will entail further exploration work on the
Company's properties, including kimberlite target investigation, quaternary
geology mapping, geophysics, till sampling and geochemical sampling. The
results of this work will assist in prioritizing kimberlite targets for drill
testing. New diamond exploration projects will also be investigated during the
program.
Tahera believes that it has excellent potential to discover additional
kimberlite deposits on its highly prospective exploration properties, and the
regional exploration efforts will continue to generate exciting new diamond
projects.
Mr. Eugene Flood, P. Geol., is Tahera's qualified person as defined in
National Instrument 43-101 for its exploration programs.
2005 Second Quarter Results
At June 30, 2005, Tahera's cash balance was $26,742,000, a decrease of
$31,147,000 from the balance at December 31, 2004. Capital and other
non-current assets increased by $64,021,000 during the six months ended
June 30, 2005, primarily due to capitalized costs associated with the
construction and development of the Jericho Diamond Project. The Company
recorded a net loss of $866,000 ($0.002 per share) for the quarter ended
June 30, 2005, as compared to a loss of $738,000 ($0.002 per share) for the
quarter ended June 30, 2004. Operating expenses increased to $1,016,000 for
the quarter ended June 30, 2005, compared to $771,000 for the second quarter
of 2004.
<<
Financial Statement Highlights
(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share data):
As at As at
Jun. 30, 2005 Dec. 31, 2004
(unaudited)
Current Assets $ 33,122 $ 58,397
Capital and Other Assets 121,902 57,881
---------------- ---------------
$ 155,024 $ 116,278
---------------- ---------------
---------------- ---------------
Current Liabilities $ 12,480 $ 3,499
Long-Term Liabilities 4,250 -
Share Capital - Common Shares 138,833 113,164
Common Share Purchase Warrants 1,347 418
Contributed Surplus 2,472 1,739
Deficit (4,358) (2,542)
---------------- ---------------
$ 155,024 $ 116,278
---------------- ---------------
---------------- ---------------
Six Months Ended Six Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2005 Jun. 30, 2004
(unaudited) (unaudited)
Operating Expenses $ (1,981) $ (1,403)
Other Items 222 156
---------------- ---------------
Loss for the Period before Income Taxes (1,759) (1,247)
Income Taxes - Current (57) (72)
---------------- ---------------
Net Loss for the Period $ (1,816) $ (1,319)
---------------- ---------------
---------------- ---------------
Loss per Share - Basic and Diluted $ (0.003) $ (0.003)
---------------- ---------------
---------------- ---------------
Cash Flows From (Used In):
Operating Activities $ (1,168) $ (1,171)
Investing Activities (55,908) (1,749)
Financing Activities 25,929 2,743
---------------- ---------------
Net Decrease in Cash (31,147) (177)
Cash - Beginning of Period 57,889 13,595
---------------- ---------------
Cash - End of Period $ 26,742 $ 13,418
---------------- ---------------
---------------- ---------------
Please refer to Tahera's website (www.tahera.com) to view the complete
financial report.
On Behalf of the Board,
R. Peter Gillin Chairman and CEO
Tahera Diamond Corporation
Grant Ewing Executive Vice President
>>
Tahera anticipates diamonds' Perfect Storm
By: Dorothy Kosich
Posted: '08-JUN-05 04:00' GMT © Mineweb 1997-2004
RENO--(Mineweb.com) With the commencement of construction of the Jericho Diamond project this year and the anticipated commercial production during the first quarter of 2006, Tahera Diamonds (TAH) will make the miraculous transformation from dying junior explorationist to Canada's third diamond producer.
It took a full-time CEO, former investment banker Peter Gillin, to turn the company around and present a far brighter future for Tahera Tuesday during the company's annual general meeting.
However, the company's future prospects are not completely out of the woods yet. In his presentation at the AGM, Gillin said Jericho's capex has increased from Cdn$76.5 million to Cdn$94 million, including $9.5 million in cost increases and $8.4 million due to reclassification of operating costs and capital.
As analysts have been calling on Tahera to consolidate its 780 million shares, Gillan suggested that Tahera will not attempt the consolidation until it can time a reverse stock split with a major event, such as starting commercial production at Jericho. "Once a company gets to a production level, where it's generating earnings, to calculate earnings per share that delivers a number that you can actually see is a positive thing," he said.
In an interview with the Canadian Press, analyst David Davidson of Paradigm Capital said the stock consolidation would help Tahera attract bigger investors. Its current largest shareholder is Dundee Precious Metals. However, a more renown consumer brand name is also an investor, Tiffany & Co. In October 2004, Tiffany entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to purchase or market all the diamond production from the Jericho for the estimated nine year life of the mine.
Tiffany has agreed to provide Tahera with a Cdn. $35 million credit facility, which is being used to finance development and construction of Jericho, which is located in Nunavut. At the time of the agreement, Gillin noted that Tiffany's support "reflects very favorably on the quality of diamonds which will be mined from the Jericho Diamond Project." Tiffany Executive Vice President and CFO James Fernandez said Tiffany benefits from "expanded access to rough diamonds and favorable costs, as compared with traditional polished diamond sourcing arrangements, and will be able to leverage its established diamond infrastructure and organization."
Tiffany will use the Jericho diamonds that meet its quality standards for color, perfection, and other attributes and sell the stones it doesn't use. Having Tiffany assume Tahera's marketing function lowers costs associated with marketing diamonds independently. Tahera had originally signed a letter of intent with Lazare Kaplan in 2003 to have that company sell its production, but both parties allowed the letter to expire.
However, that was a far more tumultuous time. Australian mining superstar Gutnick had resigned as President and CEO of Tahera at the time and took several top managers with him. With the company's reputation and credibility in tatters, Tahera board member Jonathan Goodman, Chairman and CEO of Dundee Precious Metals, brought in Gillin as Gutnick's replacement.
In two years, Gillin signed the deal with Tiffany, secured the necessary federal approvals to begin construction of Jericho during the first quarter of this year, entered into an agreement with First Nations for training, employment and business opportunities, formed an exploration JV with DeBeers to explore the Polar Project Lands, and brought in a strong management team. The company also recently completed $22 million in additional equity financing, according to Gillin.
Tahera's primary exploration focus this year is to increase its mineral reserves in the Jericho area to extend mine life. Other Tahera exploration projects in Nunavut are being advanced with a total exploration budget of Cdn$6 million for 2005.
As of March 31, 2005, Tahera's cash balance was Cdn$36,965,000 with a net loss of $950,000 reported for the first quarter of this year, compared to a loss of $581,000 for the same quarter of 2004.
As a result, the value and share price performance has steadily improved, along with trading liquidity, average more than 2 million shares a day, Gillin told investors at the AGM Thursday. As of Tuesday, Tahera stock was Cdn 39.5-cents with a 52-week range between 61 and 30.5 cents on the TSX.
Jericho will be one of the few small diamond mines in the world and only the third operating diamond mine in Canada, behind Diavik and Ekati, both in the Northwest Territories. In an updated feasibility study prepared by SRK in June 2003, mineral reserves were estimated at 3.114 million carats, including both open pit and underground mining. The Tahera base case diamond values are US$103.40/carat and $82.50/carat depending on the lobe. The summary of potential economics based on an October 2004 SRK preliminary assessment report estimates a production of 4,717,200 carats over the nine -year mine life.
During the AGM, Gillin predicted a "very robust outlook" for diamonds from the year 2012 and beyond. His optimistic outlook was based on forecasts released by WWW International Diamond Consultants, Ltd. Gillin said the consultancy believes that diamond supply growth will decline over the next few years. The diamond industry is already anticipating a more challenging year this year. Demand for rough product may outweigh supply as there are few projects in the production stage and even less in the early stages of development.
Gillin said the few new mines now commencing operations are anticipated to replace the production of declining diamond operations. Meanwhile, the U.S., China and India are expected to be strong consumers of diamonds. He termed the situation "the perfect storm" for diamonds.
Tahera anticipates diamonds' Perfect Storm
By: Dorothy Kosich
Posted: '08-JUN-05 04:00' GMT © Mineweb 1997-2004
RENO--(Mineweb.com) With the commencement of construction of the Jericho Diamond project this year and the anticipated commercial production during the first quarter of 2006, Tahera Diamonds (TAH) will make the miraculous transformation from dying junior explorationist to Canada's third diamond producer.
It took a full-time CEO, former investment banker Peter Gillin, to turn the company around and present a far brighter future for Tahera Tuesday during the company's annual general meeting.
However, the company's future prospects are not completely out of the woods yet. In his presentation at the AGM, Gillin said Jericho's capex has increased from Cdn$76.5 million to Cdn$94 million, including $9.5 million in cost increases and $8.4 million due to reclassification of operating costs and capital.
As analysts have been calling on Tahera to consolidate its 780 million shares, Gillan suggested that Tahera will not attempt the consolidation until it can time a reverse stock split with a major event, such as starting commercial production at Jericho. "Once a company gets to a production level, where it's generating earnings, to calculate earnings per share that delivers a number that you can actually see is a positive thing," he said.
In an interview with the Canadian Press, analyst David Davidson of Paradigm Capital said the stock consolidation would help Tahera attract bigger investors. Its current largest shareholder is Dundee Precious Metals. However, a more renown consumer brand name is also an investor, Tiffany & Co. In October 2004, Tiffany entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to purchase or market all the diamond production from the Jericho for the estimated nine year life of the mine.
Tiffany has agreed to provide Tahera with a Cdn. $35 million credit facility, which is being used to finance development and construction of Jericho, which is located in Nunavut. At the time of the agreement, Gillin noted that Tiffany's support "reflects very favorably on the quality of diamonds which will be mined from the Jericho Diamond Project." Tiffany Executive Vice President and CFO James Fernandez said Tiffany benefits from "expanded access to rough diamonds and favorable costs, as compared with traditional polished diamond sourcing arrangements, and will be able to leverage its established diamond infrastructure and organization."
Tiffany will use the Jericho diamonds that meet its quality standards for color, perfection, and other attributes and sell the stones it doesn't use. Having Tiffany assume Tahera's marketing function lowers costs associated with marketing diamonds independently. Tahera had originally signed a letter of intent with Lazare Kaplan in 2003 to have that company sell its production, but both parties allowed the letter to expire.
However, that was a far more tumultuous time. Australian mining superstar Gutnick had resigned as President and CEO of Tahera at the time and took several top managers with him. With the company's reputation and credibility in tatters, Tahera board member Jonathan Goodman, Chairman and CEO of Dundee Precious Metals, brought in Gillin as Gutnick's replacement.
In two years, Gillin signed the deal with Tiffany, secured the necessary federal approvals to begin construction of Jericho during the first quarter of this year, entered into an agreement with First Nations for training, employment and business opportunities, formed an exploration JV with DeBeers to explore the Polar Project Lands, and brought in a strong management team. The company also recently completed $22 million in additional equity financing, according to Gillin.
Tahera's primary exploration focus this year is to increase its mineral reserves in the Jericho area to extend mine life. Other Tahera exploration projects in Nunavut are being advanced with a total exploration budget of Cdn$6 million for 2005.
As of March 31, 2005, Tahera's cash balance was Cdn$36,965,000 with a net loss of $950,000 reported for the first quarter of this year, compared to a loss of $581,000 for the same quarter of 2004.
As a result, the value and share price performance has steadily improved, along with trading liquidity, average more than 2 million shares a day, Gillin told investors at the AGM Thursday. As of Tuesday, Tahera stock was Cdn 39.5-cents with a 52-week range between 61 and 30.5 cents on the TSX.
Jericho will be one of the few small diamond mines in the world and only the third operating diamond mine in Canada, behind Diavik and Ekati, both in the Northwest Territories. In an updated feasibility study prepared by SRK in June 2003, mineral reserves were estimated at 3.114 million carats, including both open pit and underground mining. The Tahera base case diamond values are US$103.40/carat and $82.50/carat depending on the lobe. The summary of potential economics based on an October 2004 SRK preliminary assessment report estimates a production of 4,717,200 carats over the nine -year mine life.
During the AGM, Gillin predicted a "very robust outlook" for diamonds from the year 2012 and beyond. His optimistic outlook was based on forecasts released by WWW International Diamond Consultants, Ltd. Gillin said the consultancy believes that diamond supply growth will decline over the next few years. The diamond industry is already anticipating a more challenging year this year. Demand for rough product may outweigh supply as there are few projects in the production stage and even less in the early stages of development.
Gillin said the few new mines now commencing operations are anticipated to replace the production of declining diamond operations. Meanwhile, the U.S., China and India are expected to be strong consumers of diamonds. He termed the situation "the perfect storm" for diamonds.
Tahera Diamond considers consolidating shares when revenue starts in 2006
Maria Babbage
Canadian Press
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
ADVERTISEMENT
TORONTO (CP) - Tahera Diamond Corp. is looking at consolidating its shares "before too long" as the mining firm tries to find a place among the gem giants in Canada's emerging diamond industry.
Consolidating the stock could help distinguish Tahera from other exploration companies and open the door to bigger institutional investors. But Tahera said Tuesday it will wait until it can piggyback a reverse stock split on a "momentous" announcement.
That would likely come once it begins to generate revenue from its Jericho diamond project in Nunavut, which Tahera expects will start commercial production in the first quarter of 2006.
"I think once a company gets to a production level, where it's generating earnings, to calculate earnings per share that delivers a number that you can actually see is a positive thing," CEO Peter Gillin told Tahera's annual meeting.
"When you've got 780 million shares outstanding, that's a lot of shares to divide earnings into."
The move would help Tahera set itself apart from other penny-stock exploration companies and attract bigger investors, said analyst David Davidson of Paradigm Capital Inc.
"If you're a producing diamond company with earnings and cash flow and growth opportunities, you want to put yourself in some sort of visible league that is separate from the explorers," he said.
With a relatively small mine, the other challenge Tahera will face is to keep production going.
"Jericho is a fairly small, discrete pipe, and it has a finite production profile," Davidson said.
"So what is going to be really imperative, I guess in the next few years, is for them to find other things that they can provide."
In addition to the Jericho project, about 400 kilometres northeast of Yellowknife, Tahera has other holdings in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories where diamond-bearing kimberlite has been found.
Tahera said Tuesday it is advancing other projects, including its Anuri site northwest of Jericho. It is also developing the Polar project with De Beers, also northwest of Jericho.
Tahera has an agreement with jeweller Tiffany & Co., which will buy and market diamonds produced at Jericho and is providing a $35-million loan to help in construction.
"There have not been many small diamond mines developed in the world," Davidson said.
"It's going to be interesting to see how a small diamond mine can actually deliver profitability."
De Beers' $490-million Snap Lake project is also set to open in 2006.
Canada now has two operating diamond mines, Diavik and Ekati, both in the Northwest Territories.
Steady demand for gems amid flat or declining supply is creating "the perfect storm" for companies like Tahera, CEO Gillin said.
Tahera stock (TSX:TAH) traded down 0.5 cent to 39.5 cents Tuesday, with a 52-week range between 61 cents and 30.5 cents on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
© The Canadian Press 2005
Tahera Diamonds considers consolidating shares, revenue in Q1 2006
Canadian Press
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
ADVERTISEMENT
TORONTO (CP) - Tahera Diamond Corp. is looking at consolidating its shares but would wait until it can piggyback the move on a "momentous" announcement some time in the future, the diamond mining company said Tuesday.
"So we'll be mindful of that and sometime, we hope before too long, we'll make an announcement in that regard," Tahera CEO Peter Gillin told investors at the firm's annual general meeting.
While the timing and ratio of a potential reverse stock split hasn't been decided, it may happen once the company starts to generate revenue from its Jericho diamond project in Nunavut, which Tahera expects to start commercial production in the first quarter of 2006.
"I think the purpose is really to have fewer shares outstanding to gain some economies of scale," Gillin said.
"I think once a company gets to a production level where its generating earnings, to calculate earnings per share that delivers a number that you can actually see is a positive thing. When you've got 780 million shares outstanding, that's a lot of shares to divide earnings into."
Steady demand for the gems and flat to declining supply is creating "the perfect storm" for diamond mining companies like Tahera, Gillin said.
The Toronto-based company (TSX:TAH) has large land holdings in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories, where diamond-bearing kimberlite has been found.
Tahera owns the Jericho project, about 400 kilometres north-east of Yellowknife, for which it has received federal approval, water licences and land leases. Construction is expected to be complete by the end of 2005, with commercial diamond production beginning in early 2006.
The company also has an agreement with jewellers Tiffany & Co., which will buy and market diamonds produced at the mine and provide the company with a $35-million loan to help in construction.
Tahera said it is also advancing other projects, including its Anuri project, about 100 kilometres north-west of Jericho.
Tahera stock was unchanged Tuesday at 40 cents on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
Tahera Diamond Corporation - 2005 Annual Meeting - June 07, 2005
TORONTO, June 6 /CNW/ - Notification of 2005 Annual meeting webcast
event:
Tahera Diamond Corporation (TSX: TAH.)
Annual General Meeting
June 07, 2005, 10:00 AM ET
To listen to this event, please enter
http://www.newswire.ca/en/webcast/viewEvent.cgi?eventID=1096480 in
your web browser.
For a complete listing of upcoming and archived webcasts available
through CNW Group, please visit our events calendar at
http://www.newswire.ca/en/webcast/index.cgi. CNW's webcast of earnings calls
is consistent with Market Regulation Services Inc. (RS) initiatives to broaden
investor access through the use of new technology.
For further information: Angelene Mitchell, Tel: (416) 867-2146
TAHERA COMPLETES US$17.7 MILLION FINANCING
June 05, 2005
Tahera Diamond Corporation has closed a bought deal financing, with a syndicate of underwriters led by National Bank Financial Inc., and including TD Securities Inc., Dundee Securities Corporation, Westwind Partners Inc. and Paradigm Capital Inc. purchasing 52,381,000 units from treasury at a price of US$0.34 per unit for gross proceeds of US$17.7 million. Each unit is comprised of one common share and one-half of one common share purchase warrant. Each whole common share purchase warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one common share of Tahera at a price of US$0.40 until March 31, 2006.
Tahera plans to use the net proceeds of the unit offering towards the construction and related working capital of the Jericho diamond mine in Nunavut, which it expects to complete in the first quarter of 2006, and for general corporate purposes.
Canada's Diamond Exploration Boom Continuing Apace
By Stephen Clayson
15 May 2005 at 09:37 AM EDT
LONDON (ResourceInvestor.com) -- Presently active in Canada is an impressive array of diamond prospectors, all hoping to find the country's next big mine and further its ascendancy as a hard rock diamond producer. A goodly number of these companies have been outlining their credentials to the financial community this week at the 2005 London Diamond Conference, making now an opportune time for a roundup of their stories.
Canada itself is now firmly ensconced in the leading rank of diamond producing nations, becoming the third largest producer by value on the back of the successful development of two world class mines; BHP Billiton's Ekati mine and Rio Tinto's Diavik. Indeed, Rio is accelerating the development of the Diavik mine, and along with its 40% partner Aber Diamond (TSX: ABZ-T), sees a great deal more potential in the project, though is typically cagey regarding exact details. Despite this, Rio says that it sees diamonds and specifically those from Canada as an increasingly important part of its business. Next for the Diavik mine is the $190m construction of a new open pit focused on the A418 kimberlite.
Interestingly and aside from its involvement in the Diavik mine, Aber is seeking to make the novel switch from diamond mining into retailing, after acquiring an $85m controlling state in the US based retailer Harry Winston.
Likely to soon join Canada's diamond initial producers is Tahera Diamond (TSX: TAH-T), whose Jericho mine is under construction and pegged for first commercial output in 2006. Tahera has secured its position in the market by forming an alliance with Tiffany & Co., which has agreed to purchase or market Jericho's entire output, as well as providing a C$35m loan facility to aid mine construction. Tahera also remains an active explorer with three areas of focus in Canada, including a joint venture with diamond leviathan De Beers.
In terms of highly exploration biased Canada diamond plays, there are several options. Diamondex Resources (TSX: DSP-V) boasts a team of Russian exploration geologists who have honed their skills uncovering Siberia's diamonds, and have now been brought to bear on Canada's deposits by Diamondex. The company has the endorsement of Barrick Gold as a stakeholder of close to 20%. Diamondex's two primary exploration properties are Lena West, which will undergo drill testing of its promising detected kimberlites this year, and King, which is postulated as an extension of De Beers' Snap Lake project.
Kensington Resources (TSX: KRT-V) is another junior engaged in a joint venture with De Beers, each holding 42.245% of the Fort à la Corne project in Saskatchewan's eponymous kimberlite field along with some more minor stakeholders. Drilling of 14 choice kimberlites this year is to be focused on moving the project, whose size is estimated at 350mt grading 10-20cpht, towards pre feasibility stage by 2008. The Fort à la Corne project's advantage is its location in relatively temperate and highly developed Saskatchewan, which could bode well for the feasibility of a comparatively low cost operation.
Also active in Saskatchewan's Fort à la Corne kimberlite field is Shore Gold (TSX: SGF-T), which recently received a substantial cash injection from Newmont, leaving the gold giant with just under 10% of the company. Newmont were seemingly taken with Shore's Star project, which is undoubtedly very promising geologically and also benefits from the amenities of Saskatchewan. A full resource calculation and pre feasibility study is underway for the Star project, but a preliminary estimate is a deposit of 240mt grading 16cpht.
Stornoway Diamond's (TSX: SWY-T) strength is in its diverse portfolio of joint ventured properties. Foremost among these are the BHP Billiton partnered Aviat and Churchill properties, drill testing of both of which will take place this year. Stornoway has also recently embarked on an early stage joint venture in Botswana with Motapa Diamonds (TSX: MTP-V), which is shortly to undertake an aerial geophysical survey of the project area in order to try and define drillable targets.
Spawned and 44% owned by Agnico-Eagle Mines, Contact Diamond (TSX: CO-T) is exposed to three prospective Canadian diamond provinces. The company's primary area of focus is its Timiskaming project area straddling the border between Ontario and Quebec, where drilling on new targets is to take place this year after a previous $4m programme successfully defined two significant kimberlites.
Majority owned by Rio Tinto is Ashton Mining (TSX: ACA-T), which is also exploring in three different areas of Canada. Most advanced is the company's Renard project in Quebec, at which a resource of 20mt has been defined at an average grade of 50cpht. To remedy the deposit's small size, the company is hoping to discover additional kimberlites that would improve the project's financials.
All in all, the 2005 Canadian diamond exploration season looks to be an exciting one in prospect, and could well see strong returns for investors in the right companies. Diamond exploration spending in Canada by majors and juniors alike continues to grow, with the latter applying the fervour that is their virtue and recruiting many of the sector's best personnel. However, the involvement of sizable gold producers Newmont and Barrick and of diversified majors Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton is both indicative and important to the realisation of the potential for further growth of diamond mining in the country, whichever of the vying companies it is ultimately derived from.
MINING NEWS: De Beers gives green light to mine
The road has been cleared for Canada's latest diamond mine, with South African gem giant De Beers giving its final go-ahead for the C$636 million Snap Lake project.
In the planning and development stages for several years, the mine is scheduled to start production in 2007, targeting about 1.5 million carats a year once it achieves peak output.
It will be De Beers' first diamond mine outside of Africa and the third in the Northwest Territories, joining Diavik and Ekati.
But Tahera Diamond will actually be the third to come on line, assuming its Jericho mine in Nunavut Territory meets a 2006 start-up date.
The board of De Beers also gave preliminary approval for the proposed Victor diamond mine, a C$982 million project in northern Ontario.
Victor still needs Canadian government approval of an environmental assessment.
De Beers annual review, made public in April, said the company is aiming to produce diamonds worth US$1 billion from its Canadian mines in 2015.
Snap Lake involved complex impact and benefit agreements with four aboriginal groups in the area plus environmental, socio-economic and secondary diamond industry agreements with the Northwest Territories government.
Northwest Territories Resources Minister Brendan Bell praised De Beers last year for "making a significant and meaningful contribution" to the territories "through training and development, business opportunities and on-going social investment."
He said the deals reaffirmed the Northwest Territories government's position that sustainable development of northern resources "is essential to the long term economic, cultural well being of all NWT residents."
--Gary Park
De Beers approves Snap Lake mineNWT diamond project to cost $636-millionBy WENDY STUECK
Wednesday, May 11, 2005 Page B9
MINING REPORTER
VANCOUVER -- De Beers SA has given the official green light for its Canadian division to build Snap Lake, a $636-million diamond mine in the Northwest Territories.
The mine is expected to begin production in 2007 and produce about 1.5 million carats a year.
It will be the first diamond mine for De Beers outside of Africa.
Canada has two existing diamond mines, Ekati and Diavik, both in NWT. Tahera Diamond Corp. is developing the Jericho mine in Nunavut and is aiming to have that project in production by next year.
De Beers Canada Inc. said yesterday that the board of De Beers SA approved moving Snap Lake, which has been under development for several years, into full construction.
The $636-million estimate is up from a November forecast of $625-million, reflecting higher costs for labour and materials such as steel and fuel, spokeswoman Linda Dorrington said yesterday.
De Beers has spent several years negotiating impact and benefit agreements with the four aboriginal groups that will be affected by Snap Lake, Ms. Dorrington said. Ms. Dorrington said the board also gave conditional approval for the Victor project, a proposed diamond mine in Northern Ontario with an estimated price tag of $982-million.
The board's green light is conditional on the federal government signing off on the project's environmental assessment, Ms. Dorrington said.
In its annual review, released last month, De Beers said it hopes to be producing $1-billion (U.S.) worth of diamonds from its Canadian projects by 2015.
Last year, De Beers sales arm, Diamond Trading Co., sold $5.7-billion in rough diamonds.
Third diamond mine takes shape
13.04.05
by Nicole Mordant
In an area better known for polar bears and ice floes, Canada's third diamond mine is taking shape on the Arctic tundra.
Tahera Diamond is trucking the last of hundreds of loads of building materials along a 600km winter road to the site in Nunavut, Canada's most sparsely populated territory.
The Jericho mine, which is expected to start production next year, will be Nunavut's first diamond mine and, for some time, the far northern territory's only mine of any type after Kinross's Lupin gold operation shut last year.
Although nowhere near the size of Canada's first two diamond mines, the C$76.5 million ($86 million) Jericho project could create a fistful of jobs and spill-over opportunities for inhabitants of western Nunavut.
"We can't expect Jericho to have the same tremendous impact [as the huge Ekati and Diavik mines] but hopefully it will have a fairly profound local positive effect on nearby communities and on Nunavut," said Michael Hine, head of Nunavut business at the Northwest Territories and Nunavut Chamber of Mines.
Ekati and Diavik, 170km south of the Jericho site in the neighbouring Northwest Territories, elevated Canada from a non-diamond producer before 1998 to the world's third biggest today.
None of Nunavut's towns can be reached by permanent road or rail so everything needed by the 30,000 residents must be flown in or arrive by ship.
The mine is expected to produce 3.1 million carats of diamonds over its eight-year lifespan.
- REUTERS
Third Diamond Mine Rises From Canada's Arctic
Thu April 7, 2005 12:36 PM GMT-04:00
By Nicole Mordant
VANCOUVER, British Columbia (Reuters) - In an area better known for polar bears and ice floes, Canada's third diamond mine is taking shape on the Arctic tundra.
Tahera Diamond Corp. said this week it is trucking the last of hundreds of loads of building materials along a 600-km (375-mile) winter road to the out-of-the-way site in Nunavut, Canada's most sparsely populated, newest and largest political jurisdiction.
The Jericho mine, which is expected to start production next year, will be Nunavut's first diamond mine and, for some time, the far northern territory's only mine of any type after Kinross's Lupin gold operation shut in 2004.
Although nowhere near the size of Canada's first two diamond mines, the C$76.5 million ($63 million) Jericho project could create a fistful of jobs and spillover opportunities for inhabitants of western Nunavut.
"We can't expect Jericho to have the same tremendous impact (as the huge Ekati and Diavik mines) but hopefully it will have a fairly profound local positive effect on nearby communities and on Nunavut," said Michael Hine, head of Nunavut business at the Northwest Territories and Nunavut Chamber of Mines.
Ekati and Diavik, 170 km (106 miles) south of the Jericho site in the neighboring Northwest Territories, elevated Canada from a non-diamond producer before 1998 to the world's third biggest today.
"Jericho will be the first mine since the creation of Nunavut. It was a real test case and went through with a few bumps, but everyone learned something," Hines said.
Nunavut, which means "our land" in the Inuktitut language of the Inuit, was created on April 1, 1999.
A major Inuit homeland for thousands of years, the territory spans 2 million square kilometers (770,000 square miles) of icy tundra, bogs and rocky peaks, extending north and west of Hudson Bay above the tree line to the North Pole -- covering an area larger than Mexico.
None of Nunavut's towns, including the capital Iqaluit, can be reached by permanent road or rail so everything needed by the 30,000 residents must be flown in or arrive by ship.
But unemployment, at 20.7 percent in 1999, the latest data on the Nunavut government Web site, was the highest in Canada and nearly triple the national average.
Tahera, a small Toronto-based exploration company, expects to employ about 100 people when the Jericho mine is running.
"Our goal is to have about half of our workforce be Inuit," said Gregory Missal, Tahera's Nunavut affairs vice-president.
The firm has signed an agreement with the Kitikmeot Inuit Association that ensures jobs, training and other opportunities to locals near the mine, which is expected to produce 3.1 million carats of diamonds over its eight-year lifespan.
By comparison to Jericho, Ekati, which is controlled by mining giant BHP Billiton , is expected to produce 4 million to 5 million carats a year for 20 years.
Diavik, which began output in 2003, is set to produce 6 million carats a year for 20 years. It is owned by Rio Tinto Plc and Aber Diamond Corp. .
But Donald Havioyak, the newly appointed president of the association, questions if the Inuit will get the maximum benefit they could from the Jericho project.
"I support this type of mining initiative, but are we ready? We need to train our people to work in skilled areas," Havioyak said.
In the Northwest Territories, aboriginal groups have called the mines both a blessing and a curse, providing economic opportunity but also reshaping traditional society.
"Diamonds have absolutely changed the fabric of life in the Northwest Territories," said Brendan Bell, resources minister of the Northwest Territories. "We have no shortage of employment opportunities for people."
But he told Reuters in an interview that job training was a big challenge for the region.
"I expect that will be the same for Nunavut," he said.
Tahera Completes Equipment Transport to Jericho Project
(April 6, '05, 2:14 IDEX Online Staff Reporter)
Tahera Diamond Corporation has completed the transport of equipment and supplies to the Jericho Diamond Project site, and construction is now underway.
The company mobilized approximately 550 truckloads of equipment, materials and supplies to the Jericho site on the winter road, including 5.5 million liters of fuel, a 200-man modular camp facility and all the equipment and supplies needed to build the Jericho diamond mine.
Extensive site preparation and earthwork activities have been underway since mid-February. Site accommodation facilities remain on schedule for occupancy by May 1.
Tahera also announced the appointment of its mine operations senior management team which includes Roland Jones as Mine Manager, Harold Gates as Operations Manager, and Allan Reeves as Director of Mine Planning.
Jericho Diamond Project Sets-up Nunavut Camp
By Jeff Miller Posted: 4/5/2005 4:40 PM
(Rapaport...April 5, 2005) Tahera Diamond Corporation of Canada finished mobilizing equipment and personnel to its Jericho Diamond Project site on schedule and construction is well underway for the diamond mine.
Extensive site preparation and earthwork activities have been underway at the Nunavut Territory site since mid-February 2005, and site accommodations are scheduled for completion by May 1, 2005. The development schedule calls for near completion of mine construction by year-end and attainment of commercial diamond production in early 2006.
Mine operations senior management team includes: Roland Jones, mine manager; Harold Gates, operations manager; Allan Reeves, director of mine planning. Jones and Gates join Tahera from Albian Sands Energy Inc. in Forth McMurray, Alberta, Canada. Reeves worked with BHP Billiton for more than 20 years.
Daniel Johnson, Tahera's executive vice president said, "Tahera is very fortunate to have attracted these professionals to our team. All of these individuals have the required experience and leadership skills as well as excellent track records in both mine development and operations."
Tahera has an agreement with Tiffany & Co., for diamond purchases, marketing, and a finance agreement for the Jericho Diamond Project.
Email us ab
Tahera substantially completes Jericho Diamond Project mobilization, senior mine operations team appointed
TORONTO, April 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - Tahera Diamond Corporation
announces that it has substantially completed the mobilization of equipment
and supplies to the Jericho Diamond Project site, and construction is well
underway. Approximately 550 truckloads of equipment, materials, and supplies
have been transported to the Jericho site on the seasonal winter road
including 5.5 million litres of fuel, a 200-man modular camp facility, and all
the necessary equipment and supplies to build the Jericho Diamond mine. The
mobilization effort was carried out over an eight week period and was
completed safely and without any environmental incidents.
Extensive site preparation and earthwork activities have been underway
since mid-February. The initial 4-million litre total capacity fuel storage
tanks have been erected, and the Jericho site accommodation facilities remain
on schedule for occupancy by May 1, 2005. Through an arrangement with Kinross
Gold, Tahera is utilizing the nearby Lupin mine facilities to accommodate some
of the construction personnel until the Jericho site accommodation facilities
are ready for occupancy. The current development schedule calls for
substantial completion of mine construction by the end of the year, and
attainment of commercial diamond production in early 2006.
Tahera is pleased to announce the appointment of its mine operations
senior management team. The Company has appointed Roland Jones as Mine
Manager, Harold Gates as Operations Manager, and Allan Reeves as Director of
Mine Planning for the Jericho Diamond Mine. All three individuals bring
extensive northern and diamond mining experience to Tahera.
Roland Jones and Harold Gates were most recently employed in senior
management positions with Albian Sands Energy Inc. in Forth McMurray, Alberta
during the construction and initial operations phase. Prior to that, they held
mine operations positions with BHP Diamonds Inc., and were involved in the
successful development and operation of Canada's first diamond mine. Allan
Reeves worked with BHP for over 20 years including 8 years in various senior
mine operating and engineering roles with BHP Diamonds at the Ekati mine, and
adds a wealth of mine site operating experience to the team.
Daniel Johnson, Tahera's Executive Vice President, Operations, stated
"Tahera is very fortunate to have attracted these professionals to our team.
All of these individuals have the required experience and leadership skills as
well as excellent track records in both mine development and operations."
Tahera Diamond Corporation (http://www.tahera.com) is a unique Canadian diamond
Company focused on developing its wholly-owned Jericho Diamond Project as
CANADA'S NEXT and NUNAVUT'S FIRST DIAMOND MINE. Tahera recently entered into
an arrangement with Tiffany & Co., one of the world's leading jewelers, with
respect to a diamond purchase, marketing, and finance agreement for the
Jericho Diamond Project. Tahera has several other prospective diamond projects
in Canada's prolific Slave Craton. The common shares of the Company trade on
the TSX under the symbol 'TAH'.
Tahera Diamond Corporation
R. Peter Gillin - Chairman and CEO
Grant Ewing - Executive Vice President, Corporate Development
SOURCE Tahera Diamond Corporation
Jericho Mine to Help Nunavut Economy
By Ketan Tanna Posted: 4/8/2005 6:22 AM
(Rapaport…April 8, 2005) Canada's third diamond mine Jericho, is taking shape in Nunavut, a sparsely populated and an out-of-the-way site in the Arctic tundra.
Toronto-based exploration company Tahera Diamond Corp., is completing its set-up, using 375-mile winter roads leading to the Jericho project. Although far smaller, as compared with Canada's first two diamond mines --Ekati and Diavik--the $63 million Jericho project will aid inhabitants of western Nunavut.
Ekati and Diavik mines, 106 miles south of the Jericho site, in the neighboring Northwest Territories elevated Canada from a non-diamond producer before 1998 to the world's third largest producer in 2005.
None of Nunavut's towns, including the capital Iqaluit, can be reached by permanent road or rail so every need of the 30,000 residents must be flown in or arrive by ship or truck.
Unemployment, at 20.7 percent in 1999, the latest data on the Nunavut government website, was the highest in Canada and nearly triple the national average. Jericho to an extent will help mitigate the unemployment problem as Tahera expects to employ about 100 people.
thanks again. All useful
Pictures of Diavik mine owned by ABER and BHP
http://www.diavik.ca/PDF/Diavik_FactBook.pdf
http://www.kennecottexploration.com/
Kennecott Exploration Company and its affiliate companies are members of the Rio Tinto group of companies. Rio Tinto is a leader in the international mining industry, helping to meet the growing global need for minerals and metals.
Our focus is on exploration for a wide range of commodities including copper, gold, zinc, nickel, diamonds and energy minerals, Rio Tinto is committed to responsible and efficient extraction of mineral resources, in a manner which promotes best environmental management and a safe and healthy work environment.
Rio Tinto plc Group Companies
Kennecott Exploration operates from six locations in North America. Our staff of geoscientists have many years of experience in mineral exploration and evaluation, mine development and mining operations.
Kennecott Exploration is rooted in North America through its connection with Kennecott Utah Copper Corporation, Kennecott Minerals Company, Kennecott Energy Company, US Borax, Diavik Diamond Mines, Talc de Luzenac and QIT Fer et Titane.
http://www.diavik.ca/history.htm
Diavik Diamond Mine,Quick Facts,Location,Infrastructure,Ice Road,Mining,History,Recognition,Geology,Exploration,Dikes
Processing, Date , Event
1991-1992 Aber stakes mineral claims
March 1992 Exploration begins
June 1992 Aber Resources, Kennecott Canada Exploration form Diavik joint venture
1994-1995 Pipes A-21, A154-South, A154-North and A418 discovered
February 1996 75-person exploration camp erected for underground bulk sampling
July 1996 5,900 tonne bulk sampling of A418 and A154 South pipes completed
December 1996 Diavik Diamond Mines Inc. created with head office in Yellowknife
March 1997 Bulk sample transported over winter road to Yellowknife for processing. Approximately 21,000 carats of diamonds recovered
June 1997 Environmental baseline studies completed
September 1997 Pre-feasibility study completed
March 1998 Project description submitted to Federal Government triggering formal environmental assessment review under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act
September 1998 Environmental Assessment Report submitted and Comprehensive Public Involvement Plan initiated
November 1999 Federal Government approves project for permitting and licensing
September 2000 Diavik Diamond Mines Inc. receives all necessary permits and licenses to bring mine into production
December 2000 Investors of Rio Tinto plc and Aber Diamond Corporation approve $1.3 billion expenditure to build mine
January 2001 Mine construction begins
October 2001 A154 dike earthworks completed
July 2002 A154 dike completed, dewatering commences
December 2002 Mine virtually complete
January 2003 Diamond production begins
May 2003 First million carats
May 2003 1.9 million accident-free hours
April 2003 Aber’s first sale of rough diamonds
July 2003 Rio Tinto Diamonds’ first sale of rough diamonds
thanks. Appreciate it.
diamond company
Aber Diamond Corporation is a diamond marketing company whose major asset is a 40% interest in the Diavik group of mineral claims, which is held by its wholly owned subsidiary, Aber Diamond Mines Ltd. Diavik Diamond Mines Inc. (DDMI), a subsidiary of Rio Tinto plc, is the operator of the Diavik Diamond Mine and holds the remaining 60% interest. The mine is located approximately 300 kilometers northeast of the City of Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories, Canada. During the fiscal year ended January 31, 2004 (fiscal 2003), the Diavik Mine had achieved certain levels of production and sales, physical project completion, as well as certain levels of mining and diamond processing activities to be considered in commercial production. Aber received 1.5 million carats from the Diavik Mine in fiscal 2003.
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