Your link was a great find. Here's why...
I didn't think the info was spotty, but rather enlightening.
It is true that in November of 1998, BHP reported the Panda Pipe being .45 carats/ton. But this pipe, as well as their others were tested various times through the 90's.
For example, in December of 1994, the same Panda Pipe was reported having a .90 carats/ton (2557 carats found in a 2835 ton sample). Also in December 1994, the Fox Pipe was reported to have a .62 carat/ton.
This shows that even though varied results come from cross sections of the same or different pipes, the pipe can still be minable.
In fact, in the late 90's, they began mining operations on the Panda, Misery, Koala, Sable and Fox pipes. In 1999, they estimated 3 - 5 million carats per year to be mined. They assumed $100/carat. That is $300 - $500 million dollars per year output from just 5 pipes! In this same discussion, they estimated mining operations from these pipes to last 25 years.
Using the low estimate of $300,000,000 per year * 25 years = $7.5 billion,.... again from just 5 pipes.
I really haven't seen any reference to the quality of diamond b/w FALC and the NW region.
What I have seen is that earlier this year Debeers/Kensington pulled a complete diamond from 140/141 which was colourless.
Also, the costs of mining in FALC region are much lower (by as much as 1/2) than the NW territory.
Thus, I have no problem accepting Dr.D's statement about the FALC region because much is out there which shows it's promise.
Finally, BHP was the pioneer. They blazed a long rough trail to do what they did, making it easier for all who followed.
In the 80's and 90's, BHP's new diamond find required embracing new technology and wade through the government red-tape and restrictions until clearance was finally obtained in the late 90's. We are entering the region with a very strong position in terms of the number of anomalies owned. A trail has already been blazed by predesessors (BHP), so hopefully obtaining permits and navigating to the operational stage has become easier.
Be well, Bo
AI
