Unrelated to today's NR, here's a positive thing about the potential patent that nobody has thought to mention in the past two years. Some of the posters here who seem to assume that the patent is a slam-dunk should sit up and pay attention here, because I think you'll like this thought.

Even if the patent is not approved (a significant risk, in my mind), we do at least know that the process appears to work. So even if KWG can't monopolize the intellectual rights, this wouldn't preclude KWG and/or partners from using the natural gas reduction process in a chromite processing facility. And while, in that situation, other companies could emulate the process, KWG still would retain a bit of an advantage because other facilities around the world would have to retro-fit their facilities. It's common knowledge that the newest processing facilities are often the most modern and efficient technology, and reap competitive advantages in that respect (just like if you're running a more modern sawmill or industrial line, or a dozen other examples).

So short version: I still contend that there is no guarantee that the patent application will be approved. However, even if it is not approved, the process still has value to KWG.

I'm sure that this fact hasn't escaped the Chinese.