Diamond rush in Nord-du-Québec

The announcement on December 17, 2001 of the discovery of two diamantiferous kimberlite deposits by Ashton Mining of Canada and SOQUEM inc. in the Monts Otish sector triggered a real rush to stake out claims in Nord-du-Québec. Since then, MRN has received more than 33,400 title applications, with the diamond rush accounting for 96%. This amounts to a daily average of 500 to 1,000 applications.

To date, 153 companies or individuals have made requests affecting 202 NTS map sheets. Other areas of interest in the quest for diamonds are currently being explored in Québec such as Caniapiscau, Mistassini, Nottaway, Torngat, and Wemindji.

Watch for our next issue in May 2002 to find out the status of diamond exploration in Québec.