"Irwin and Rosseau are the ones forcing this offer. "

Of course I have no way of knowing this as a fact...I am not as connected as some.

However it makes sense. A hedge fund does not like to let their investors sit and wait for mines to be developed. Get in and get out..turn it over...just like marketing...you can only make big money if you are turning over the inventory.

"I question you because I believe that Wes is running the show now. From what I have seen since he came on as CEO things have changed."

Just like any executive, Wes answers to the BoD and the major investors. If you don't think that Rosseau can still influence the decisions at NOT, then you have never been very close to the action at that level. For now you will just have to accept that Wes does what he is told.

"Both Wes and Mac know that at some point consolidation has to take place. I think we all know that. You are right about the chess game analogy. But now it is Mac's move."

Correct...I believe that is what I said.

Again this is just my opinion...based on 30 years in the mining industry. Anything is possible and it is going to be very very interesting.

SN