2-3 days..... The 500kg sample sent to Debeers in SA likely touched the ground and was being processed within days of being there. DeBeers has the largest data base of information in the world on diamonds....

If they see what they like they will be doing statistical analysis by now...... They will know more about SNO than anyone by now..... and the only information they won't know is if there are more kimeberlites or the tonage of mud Lake.

I don't see DeBeers making a pre emptive bid..... but if the yield and grade is there they would want to make some kind of lock up deal, possibly contingent upon results from a larger bulk sample.

One thing for sure.... 2008 will be SNO's year to break out and add real intrinsic value should some nice diamonds be recovered.... Been a long time coming, lets hope it has been worth the wait!