Primary diamond deposits typically require a bulk sampling parcel of approximately how many carats?

• A. 2,000 carats
• B. 3,000 carats
• C. 5,000 carats
• D. 1,000 carats

Answer: (A)

Bulk sampling of primary diamond deposits aims to get a reliable picture of ore grade and diamond content by processing a sizable portion of the deposit. Diamonds are not uniformly distributed in kimberlite; there are pockets of higher and lower grade, and the mix of gem versus non-gem material and how well the recovery process works all influence what you observe. To estimate future economics with confidence, you need a parcel large enough to average out this variability and reflect the true grade and diamond-size distribution. About two thousand carats is a typical target because it provides a good balance between statistical reliability and practical cost, giving enough data on grade and recovery to estimate carats per ton and overall economics. Smaller samples can produce highly uncertain, variable results due to sampling error, while much larger parcels raise costs without a proportional gain in early feasibility accuracy.