Thanks to all for your invaluable input here. For many who do not have the intuitiveness, hands-on knowledge, investment experience and/or time your broad, in-depth collective analysis is most edifying to many lurkers on this forum. This BB truly is one of the best there is. I have no doubt it is apparent in high places, the representatives of which may even post here.

Being given a window into the details of this latest financing and purchase of the mill gives all a clearer understanding of the whys and wherefores. Knowing why the price of the shares is down here is vitally important. Knowing that the price of ECU today is merely a good buying opportunity in a point of time provides some relief to those who have invested in ECU because the fundamentals make a lot of sense to the layperson given the genesis of ECU, the management team, the resource proven and potential in this global economic climate. Known got to panic and sell here is most beneficial.

In these trying times it is very easy to lose perspective…especially if one is financially challenged, as so many now are. Retirement for many has become rather daunting with pensions threatened, devaluation of currencies and future inflation to worry about and in some cases, redemptions being frozen. We must remember that many have lost up to 50% of their investments in the general markets and the anxiety levels are peaking. Many are with solid investment advisers who represent some of the best brokers/investment houses out there. Many of these advisers are personally shaken themselves as their clients bail. Many clients are hesitant to sell because of back end loading etc. They are caught like dear in the headlights to use a very worn out expression. Should they stay the course as implored to do, or bail while they can?

I am astounded how many think gold has peaked here and that it is too late to get in. This is unfortunate since it is my feeling that the PM markets are their best hope for the future, whether it be in the physical bullion, ethical funds such as CEF, blue chips such as AEM, G, NEM et al., or good intermediates and promising juniors. I spent an hour on the phone with a friend who is very fearful, actually being intimidated by her adviser to stand pat. There was no way I could encourage her to invest even 10% of her portfolio into gold coins or a solid fund such as the CEF. It all left me most concerned for her. At least she is going to cash and Canadian bonds. The worst part is that she represents a vast number of people out there. Can you imagine suggesting that an investment in ECU at 70 cents would be a very good investment!? Can you imagine ECU not being at least a double in 6 months ( I expect a 5 to ten bagger). Can you imagine the time it would take to understand what an “ECU” is all about? Or an AEM?

James West pointed out the other day that the biggest mistake a investor could make in this primary gold bull market would be to think that it as already passed us by when really we are just now entering the third, massive up leg in a long term bull. The biggest, shall I say “conservative” leverage is in the juniors, like an ECU, which is basically a proven entity…not an explorer trying to raise cash for proving up a potential deposit. Gold and silver are going to well over $1200 and $20 this year. Their will be increased premium placed on production and proven up resource. ECU is close to cash flowing and production negating any further need for dilution. Resource potential is huge. Blackmont and TD made fantastic deals with ECU, to the temporary detriment of the share price. They know ECU is a winner and will produce handsome rewards for them, their investors and the shareholders of ECU.

As the lack of confidence in the markets, governments and the financial industry continues to balloon we will see a growing confidence emerge in the PMs. It is already apparent in the mainstream press. Seems every day we are reading of new PM sector discoveries, acquisitions, mergers and prognosis. How long this will take to filter down into the juniors is anyone’s guess. I happen to think it will surprise us all. As more 43-101s come forth, lay people’s understandings of evaluating results will grow and recognizing the best opportunities will also grow. More and more brokers will get on board along with the funds. James West reminds all that buying a diverse basket of the best juniors will do very well. But let’s not forget that the TDs ad Blackmonts of the world represent a flashing green light for investing in such juniors as ECU, and that they want in at the best time, before the madding crowds catch on.

For those out there who are discouraged, keep the faith.