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N.D. (AP) – A mining company’s search for evidence of diamonds in northeastern North Dakota has come up dry.

But geologists remain buoyed by the potential for mining the precious stones in North Dakota. They say rock formations in the eastern part of the state mirror those in diamond-producing regions of Canada, which has the only diamond mines operating in North America.

Kennecott Exploration Co. drilled the exploratory hole in Pembina County in 2010. State geologist Ed Murphy says results of the company’s drilling effort had been listed by regulators in confidential status until late last year.

The company was searching for kimberlites, which are molten rock formations where diamonds may occur. Murphy says much of eastern North Dakota has the potential for kimberlite deposits.