Mineral exploration and development firm Sunrise Resources has announced the findings of drilling program at its Cue Diamond Project in Western Australia.

The findings are based on visual logging enhanced by a geochemical analysis of the drill samples using a Niton XRF minerals analyzer to identify chemical anomalies characteristic of kimberlite.

The program comprised 43 aircore (AC) and reverse-circulation (RC) drill holes (14CUAC/RC12-54) at five separate target areas.

Three holes were drilled to test the main dyke and collect samples with two at an angle of 60° and the other at an acute angle to achieve a large intersection of the recognizable kimberlite in fresh rock below the weathered zone.

A one ton sample of fresh kimberlite was recovered from 14CURC39 hole, and it will be processed at the diamond laboratory of the Saskatchewan Research Council to recover kimberlite indicator minerals and diamonds for grade evaluation.

Reported by De Beers to be diamondiferous, the Soapy Bore kimberlite has yielded 13 diamonds from a 65kg sample; however, the diamond size details were not disclosed.

Sunrise Resources executive chairman Patrick Cheetham said, " The Soapy Bore kimberlite has yielded diamonds in a small sample for De Beers but this larger drill sample will give a much better idea of its value."