"ongoing exploration programmes from the likes of Karelian Diamonds are attracting some attention, but not really setting the market alight, even though Karelian’s recent identification of multiple Kimberlites in Finland could be a real game-changer.".........Alastair Ford
"A big hit on the wider exploration effort would really take the company up a tier.".......Alastair Ford
"A relationship with Finnish mining giant Outokumpu goes back decades, and the Professor has long had a deep respect for the abilities of the Finnish geological survey, the work of which has in turn elucidated the decisions that Karelian has made.".......Alastair Ford
As the Prof himself said "This could all change very quickly".
Its almost September, so I think it would be fair to assume that news is due on a number of fronts for KDR.
1. Lahtojoki Permit. One would think by now, the court has cleared the way for Land Survey of Finland to give legal force to Lahtojoki and that Tukes must soon be in a position to issue the permit. Don't underestimate the importance of the permit officially landing for KDR.
2. KUHMO - 38 Kimberlite anomalies /targets. Very possible this is going to replace Argyle. Watch this space.
3. Salla & Liperi - Why does nobody ever ask the company about these. The company will have to comment on them this year, they will have to answer on this at the AGM.
4. Northern Ireland - Results might be interesting and whilst all the talk if of Nickel/Copper, I wouldn't yet rule out diamonds or the possibly of NI being to take attention off Finland. Probably have got something of significance in Northern Ireland, but a side show for me.
We are all here for KUHMO, and if you are not here for that reason, then you should be.
A successful hit on the exploration front (the elephant hunt) will move the company up a tier. Imminent?? Hope so!
I expect a third party already involved at Kuhmo, it too big an undertaking for a little junior. 38 kimberlite targets is a lot to sample, so I've no doubt someone larger involved. Rio will need to pay handsomely to acquire KDR assets, because if they don't, then others will, and Rio will not want that. Finland could make Rio Tinto the top dog in fancy diamonds. In my view Kuhmo will replace Argyle. I expect pink diamonds from there too, not just green diamonds.
Infinityx, I totally agree. The buyers will flock here when the penny drops fully. I don't see that as far away. News flow on a number of fronts will arrive soon. In Finland, Kuhmo on top of Seitapera and Riihivaara is now enough to bring Rio in (in my opinion) and I can see them making a move soon. There is no way they will miss the opportunity there.
I suspect a joint venture for Lahtojoki (perhaps Burgundy or North arrow + GTK govt, dont know), but only when Permit is officially issued.
Rio to also take Salla and Liperi and whatever has been discovered there.
Remember the Brookborough Diamond found in a Fermanagh stream was been recognised as one of the most valuable diamonds in the world. KDR will still be following this up too. They are good at tracing back to source as we see in Kuhmo.
There are a number of possible scenarios here
Either:
1. Northern Ireland results come back very positive for Nickel, Copper, PGMs and an major programme follows with JV
2. Northern Ireland samples came back with evidence of diamonds and the Nickel/Copper story has all been to deflect attention from diamonds.
3. Evidence of both. We shall see, but it is an intriguing side show to the real prize to come, that is Kuhmo/ Rio.
Here is an interesting question:
The company have told us where the Irish samples have been dispatched to for analysis, why have they not told us where the Finnish samples have been dispatched to for analysis? Finland information off limits at the moment?
Prof said they will bring in a junior partner for Lahtojoki and the majors are interested in Kuhmo.
I think its obvious who the major is for kuhmo, but I am wondering what junior might be on the cards for Lahtojoki? Any ideas here?
Could it be a Finnish company? Canadian? or something out of left field?
Listening to the prof interviews, it sounds to me like Rio will take over Kuhmo, (maybe they will take interest in Northern Ireland too, who knows).
Will KDR form a new company for Lahtojoki? (with the finish govt also involved, perhaps a finish state backed company)
Whatever happens it will be intriguing I have no doubt. Must be near now.
When prof said in interview that we have been busy, we just haven't been able to report news, you would have to include Salla and Liperi in that. Ask yourself this, why have they not been able to report news. Who was stopping them? Who provided them the confidential information for 10+ years, information worth £10s of millions. (£40m i think). When the confidentiality agreement with Rio Tinto lapsed (which by the way was KDRs decision) didnt KDR say they still had a great relationship with Rio Tinto . In fact on 1st July 2020 KDR said in an rns the following ...."A further announcement will be made in due course should any subsequent agreement be reached or entered into between Karelian Diamonds and Rio Tinto."
Salla and Liperi ground was secured long ago, renewed and narrowed down recently. However never reported on. Didn't Rio Tinto (Aston) previously have these and find coloured diamonds, but did not have to report on them at the time. They are very random locations. I wonder when we will release news on these. My guess is that KDR have not been allowed say anything about them. Wouldn't it be just something if news emerged on these, totally unexpected. They must be valuable if KDR have also kept them under wraps. Salla and Liperi being kept under wraps screams Rio Tinto for me. I have no doubt there.
From tellus.........Magmatic sulphide deposits are associated with magmas of various types, particularly
those containing abundant iron–magnesium minerals (termed mafic and ultramafic) and
that form igneous rocks such as basalt. Relative enrichment of platinum and palladium
in the geochemical data suggests potential for PGM-bearing mineralisation in a number
of parts of Northern Ireland.
(Andersen et al., 2002), it is clear that conditions were favourable for
the concentration of PGMs, and Andersen et al. (2002) concluded that there is potential
for Noril’sk-type Ni–Cu–PGM deposits in the UK sector .....................Tellus survey pointed to that too
There is a lot of Info in this:
https://www.ria.ie/sites/default/files/chapter_2_0.pdf
Good point hoops, Yes, Rio Tinto spent $4.7 on thee joint venture with Bluejay in Finland Nickel exploration and then walked away last week leaving Bluejay with 100% of that project. Could Rio Tinto see a better opportunity of a world class discovery in Northern Ireland? Just a thought, but stranger things have happened. Rio already have a relationship with KDR.
As Robemy said, the prof will have egg on his face if the results from Canada are not positive. The prof doesn't do egg on his face, so you can be sure they already know the results will be very good. This is not a company that tees itself up to then report bad news.
Infinityx, I fully agree with you, KDR will be a £100m+ cap company soon and we cant say that the company hasn't indicated what is around the corner. The prof has said in his interviews "we have found it now".