Hans: The reason I've touted a combo of WCX and TDC would be more along the lines of reducing complexity for S&B, and sharing resources - especially the human ones - to reduce costs and improve efficiency along the idea of economies of scale, rather than for the reasons which you so ably scotch in your post. Slam and Prosperity just merged, Slam in BC and Prosperity in the far north similar to WCX and TDC.

Sure, the same problems exist in a combo, but a combined entity might also be more attractive to a JV partner also. There is considerable gold in BC and in the Barkerville and Williams Creek areas particularly. Just because they haven't hit much yet does not mean they won't. They haven't drilled much as yet, but seem to have little trouble getting funds. And previous mining in the area has been very productive.

Re the drop in the WCX share price, I've been thinking that WCX may be affected by the doubts and concerns we have about the intentions of S&B on our own TDC project. Anyone who looks into these things is going to make the link between TDC and WCX. Another good reason for S&B to be more forthcoming about their plans. Ike