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Barren Lands An Epic Search for Diamonds in the N
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Rating: 4.61/5 from 18 reviews All that glitters...A Thrilling ReadGeology is not usually one of my favorite topics. I remember slogging through John McPhee's interminable series of articles for The New Yorker and vowing to avoid the topic at all costs. My attitude has changed radically since reading Kevin Krajick's book Barren Lands. Somehow, he has managed to convert a dry topic into a thrilling adventure narrative, weaving hundreds of years of history into this story about the idiosyncratic characters who prospect for diamonds. I highly value my sleep, but I actually stayed up late to finish this book. My only criticism is that I would have liked to see photographs of the driven, eccentric characters that populate the book, and the actual landscape they prospected. What's required to find a multi-billion dollar mine----------------------------------------------------------- Rating: "A" -- the obsession, hard work, heartbreak and good luck This is the story of the discovery of the Ekati diamond mine, in the Hugo Dummett signed on with Superior Oil in 1978 to prospect for Fipke is a poster child for the space-case prospector-geologist, but he's The road to Ekati was not direct. Superior's exploration program (and Fipke and Dia Met scrambled for money from family, friends and Word of the BHP deal brought De Beers, Corona and others into the The Ekati mine was commissioned in late 1998. Capital cost was District exploration costs (1989-98, Ekati-Diavik district, all companies) Fipke & his longtime partner, geologist Stewart Blusson, each retain a The book's meandering start might put you off, but don't be Happy reading! | ||||||||||||||||||||
The more recent North America activities of Fipke and Blusson, around whom much of the book revolves, is told in a personal and intimate manner, as only an author with first hand experience and contact could have related. There is also a good dose of the author's wry sense of humor and irony thrown in throughout his book. Please take special note of his tips on how to use a port-o-potty in 40 degree below zero weather on the tundra.
Probably the best book since reading Stephen Ambrose's book about Lewis and Clarke, Undaunted Courage. My only disapointment was reaching the last page.