Micro X-ray diffraction as a discrimination tool for diamond exploration, using the mineral structures of ilmenite and chromite

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In 2017, the minerals industry in Canada saw $44 billion in mineral production as well as $4 billion in capital investments for mineral processing; Hundreds of millions of dollars was spent on research and development and the minerals industry has created 634,000 jobs for Canadians (NRCAN 2018). Headquartered in Vancouver, BC, North Arrow Minerals Inc. is a dynamic Canadian company exploring for diamonds across Canada. Conventional exploration methods employ chemical analysis of Kimberlite Indicator Minerals (KIMs) to determine the presence of kimberlites and their diamond potential. We propose to team up with North Arrow to test the application of micro X-ray diffraction (microXRD) as a new exploration tool, using Flemming's proposed two-mineral structural approach. We propose that microXRD/unit cell refinement of ilmenite and chromite populations in tandem will be a powerful new reconnaissance tool for diamond exploration. If a population of ilmenite grains have c-axis < 14.02 (±.01) Å, this indicates a kimberlitic origin. In combination with a positive kimberlite identification provided by the unit cell of ilmenite, a population of chromite grains with a-axis = 8.32 (±.01) Å indicates that the kimberlite is diamondiferous. (The chromite unit cell parameter by itself, however, is not definitive.) Our innovative two-mineral structural approach will provide North Arrow with a new method of kimberlite reconnaissance (via ilmenite unit cell) and estimation of diamond potential (via chromite unit cell), which will give them a competitive advantage in the field of diamond exploration. This method has the potential to save thousands of dollars from North Arrow's exploration budget as it reduces the necessity to process the complete suite of KIMs by Electron Probe Microanalysis (EPMA). This technique, once implemented into their exploration program, would streamline operations and may enable estimation of diamond potential of the resource prior to drilling. New exploration methods could lead to new diamond discoveries, which would provide wealth to Canada. High caliber HQP trained in Canada will be at the forefront of the next generation of diamond discoveries.********