Diamond exploration company Karelian Diamonds has unveiled promising indications of nickel, copper and platinum group elements (PGEs) in its licence areas in Northern Ireland.

This follows an assessment conducted by independent geological consultant Dr Larry Hulbert, initiated after Karelian identified indicator minerals during a stream sediment sampling programme.

Hulbert's analysis drew parallels to the geological characteristics of the Baraga basin in Michigan, part of the Mid-Continental Rift system in North America known for hosting significant deposits such as Eagle and Eagle East. He recommended that Karelian model their exploration strategy after the successful Eagle deposit.

Similarities to other globally renowned nickel, copper, and PGE deposits found in continental flood basalts like Norilsk, Russia (Triassic) and the Emeishan Large Igneous Province in China were noted. These resemblances underscore the potential significance of Karelian's findings.

In the independent report, Hulbert commented: “what would have been considered as a low potential nickel/copper/PGE exploration area pre-1995 have changed as a result of more recent discoveries and subsequent development of new exploration models. Recognition of similar geological and metallogenic environments, regardless of geological age, like that between the Proterozoic Baraga Basin Eagle mining camp setting and the KDR property is what will lead to new nickel/copper/PGE discoveries. What was once not obvious is now obvious!”

Karelian has identified a series of promising targets within its licensed areas for further exploration, based on Hulbert's recommendations.

"Dr Hulbert’s review is extremely encouraging. The geological similarities with areas associated with world class discoveries of nickel, copper and PGEs, such as the Eagle and Eagle East deposits, are striking,” commented Karelian chairperson Professor Richard Conroy.