Comments from Smeenk noted, especially the underlined parts (mine): “Accordingly, we are hopeful that the Provincial Mining Recorder’s Order will be upheld so that we can now assess the mineral potential of these claims and add their surface endowments to an integrated transportation network for the area,” said Smeenk.

The last part about "endownments" (there is a nice ring to this word!) is a given... as part of the N-S transportation corridor. But the first portion on "what lies beneath" is probably the reason for NOT challenges. But it would be difficult, if not impossible, for NOT to come up with a good reason for saying that the claims should belong to them (they lost the race 3 years ago, and why did'nt they complain right after the staking race, if there were any irregularities, cheating, etc? Has anyone heard anything about such NOT's complaints before the official declaration by the Provincial Recorder Office?). No complaints = acceptance of the loss of the race by default? IMO, this is common sense in any situation, not only for claim staking " if your staked it first, it's yours, in the mining exploration business?"

BTW, did NOT attemp to put their posts on the same claims, and tried to register them? Any professional propectors, or propecting experts on this board?

goldhunter