Al,

It is interesting to think what sort of strategy NOT might be enaging in, as I am convinced they want to somehow have FNC's ground secured. There is a lot going in the NOT (DE1) - PRB - FNC neighbourhood, and I think if NOT are trying to hamper the evolution of the FNC story, they are only delaying, not preventing the inevitable. I think FNC will drill, and that they will have something comparable or larger than DE1 and that FNC will only deal with them once they have established they have something of significant value.

No doubt NOT wants a piece of that, as grouping the minerlization in the immediate viinity of DE1 to create a bigger deposit would make DE1 much more valuable to any potential suitor. From what I have seen so far, I think the NOT-FNC-PRB region around DE1 will prove to hold a much bigger zone of mineralization than is currently known, and I think NOT,FNC, and now PRB are well aware of this. To my mind, the main story is in this area... At least for now.

Anyway, I think we all want Smith to drill, and last time I spoke to him he seems to be determined.

I am sure you have read my recent posts about him needing getting geophysics done (working with NOt on this). You have to remember that FNC has a limited amount of cash in the kitty, so they need to get the drill holes right on the first pass or else we are screwed - the SP will drop and he would no cash left and have to finance at a low SP. I'd rather he takes the time to get his targets right, than rush into it. Its not easy as some think to spot (position) drill holes...

Regards,

B.

Regards,

B.