Although global in scope, the mining community is really a very, close knit one. I know, I was an active member for over 30 years and now a semi-retired one, but nevertheless still a member. Contacts made 30 years ago or whenever, are never forgotten, whether good, bad or indifferent. Its amazing who one can bump into in the jungles of Africa or at the local arena or at a restaurant in Lima or the engineers' club in Toronto. Conventions like the PDAC's are the place deals are made, information exchanged, theories expounded upon, new technology showcased, gallons of beer drunk and friendships forged. The Nemis, the Lassondes and the McEwens of this world have been there, done it a thousand times. They are in the mining business to make money by taking juniors and guiding and nuturing them to emerge as producers. The Irwins and the Sprotts don't drink beer with the boys.

IBK may have recruited Irwin to participate in the last PP. I'll bet that Richard Nemis personally convinced Pierre Lassonde and Rob McEwen.

Guess who Lassonde and McEwen are going to support????

geoprof