Hansix,

At the risk of sounding naive, this time is different, especially when compared with previous long periods of low gold prices. Discussing 90% failure rates might (I don't know the historical statistics) be correct over long periods of time which include several 20 year bear markets for POG, such as 1980-2000. But the whole point here is that we are likely in the midst of the greatest gold bull market in recorded history. This makes marginal mine economics very profitable and profitable ones ballistic. At some point no matter how tight credit is, funding for mine construction and/or acquisitions will be available if not plentiful. Our goal must be to survive in the meantime while taking steps to get closer to production with growing reserves.

With this in mind, eventually demand for miners will eclipse the great 1976-1981 rocket launch. I would not be involved if this bullish backdrop were absent. The author may not be intentionally displaying seamy punctiliousness (owe u another buck Hansix), but may simply be overlooking what 99.9% of the investors are overlooking.

Our efforts should not be worrying about market ignorance, but rather imploring management to keep us in the game as an independent or JV'd entity (as opposed to being eaten by a major for a 40-50 gain).

Strike