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Post by Franko10 ™ on Feb 7, 2005 14:05:23 GMT -5
The significance of TDEM
Time-Domain ElectroMagnetic mapping.
If you don't currently understand the significance of this technology, I suggest you do some research on it.
Urban wasn't overstating the significance when we said "For the first time in the history of diamond exploration in the Fort a' la Corne area, a complete and comprehensive magnetic picture of the whole area is available to the company."
Prior to today's release, it had not been disclosed that the CMKX survey included TDEM (time-domain eletromagnet) technology. A TDEM survey combines magnetic survey data with satellite GPS technology to identify the spatial location of each target, including the depth and mass of the individual targets. Generally speaking, the most significant advantages of a TDEM survey are that 1) every "target deposit" detected displays it's own unique and identifiable signature within the data, 2) TDEM technology allows signature mapping to depths unavailable with any other type of technology, 3) "real" 3-D maps can be generated to precisely identify the exact location of minerals, the exact concentration (mass) of minerals, and the shape and size (underground) of the mineral targets (as opposed to taking 2-D mapping and simulating what the 3-D shaping MIGHT look like), and 4) most "noise" is very accurately eliminated.
As an example of just how precise this technology is, the military has used this technology to detect buried unexploded ordinance. It is precise enough to not only detect the electromagnetic signature of buried 250-lb bombs IN A RAILYARD (filled with scrap metal and other "noise"), it can also detect the bomb fragments. John Adams, president of USA Environmental, the company hired to detect the bombs and fragments at the railyard, said "it was like finding rocks randomly scattered on a sandy beach...they could’ve been rocks but you knew what they were...[using] equipment few would have dreamed about. To me, that’s pretty cosmic."
What this means is that CMKX and it's partners know EXACTLY what minerals exist on their claims. They know where every kimberlite deposit lies, what type of kimberlite it is, it's size, and it's depth. They also know the precise location and concentration of every other type of precious mineral, metal deposit, and economic resource on their claims.
CMKX is not the first company to use such advanced technology (TDEM). It's been used in conjunction with siesmic technology to map volcanic and magmatic deposits as deep as 17 kilometers. And it's been used to detect and identify kimberlite deposits and other minerals all over the world. However, only within the last two years has the TDEM technology advanced to the point where "real" 3D is obtainable, and where most all noise can be filtered out. And never before has this technology been used on the land held by CMKX and it's JV's.
What does all this mean to me?
The PR about the survey announced "hundreds of magnetic anomalies", yet only announced "several obvious drill targets". It makes one wonder why they chose to exclude the word "kimberlite" entirely from their release. Now the following is pure speculation on my part, but there are two scenarios worth considering. First, the "several obvious drill targets", in my opinion, are likely the 'crater facies' type kimberlite deposits that were discovered on the claims. I suggest you read up on crater facies. Crater facies kimberlite pipes are not only the largest pipes, but the bulk of crater facies kimberlite is located at the top of the pipe. Think of a crater facies pipe as an oversided martini glass, and other types of pipes as small champagne glasses. More kimberlite closer to the surface, with a higher concentration of diamonds in the overburden. Crater facies pipes contain more diamonds, on average, and they are easier to open-pit mine, than other types of pipes. Second, it is likely the reason that the word "kimberlite" was excluded from the survey release because many of the anomalies are likely minerals/metals/resources other than kimberlite. You might research the known economic minerals found in Saskatchewan, but a few worth mentioning include uranium, gold, zinc, salt, sodium sulfate, calcium chloride, and clays, not to mention oil and natural gas. Keep in mind that Saskatchewan currently produces 32% of the world's uranium. And I would mention that two uranium companies working together, surveying for uranium, were actually the first to discover kimberlite in the FALC, in 1988. Also, 2004 worldwide demand for uranium is now 171.6 million pounds per year, while 2004 primary world production will only be 92.1 million pounds. And the price of uranium has gone from $10 per pound to over $18 per pound in the last two years. I think everyone is already aware of what's happening with the demand for, and price of, oil and natural gas. And gold is a great wildcard here, as well.
Again, I think it's very hard to overstate the real value of the TDEM survey data. With this type of technology, it's no longer neccessary that you have to physically pull an economic resource out of the ground, in order to confirm it's existence, and it's density. In my opinion, data of such high quality would allow you to sell mineral rights at or close to the pricing of "proven land", without having to expend the time and costs required to "prove" the land, except for the cost of the survey. Obviously, however, for diamonds, you'd still have to prove the quantity and quality, although you've got a head start by accurately identifying the choice kimberlite to target.
I could go on for hours, but obviously I believe the location of the claims, along with the TDEM data is the biggest proof of the existence of real value in this stock to date. When will the market adjust to this reality? I'll leave that for others to debate...
JMO
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