Just to add a bit to Mark's DF timeline and to highlight a few critical points.

Many companies were indeed crunching numbers from the first big release, hole #2. But only companies that signed the NDA's received all the drill data and of course they could not do a hostile takeover (as per the NDA). The ones that did not sign, had to guess at size, cost, etc of the project. Point is as Mark mentioned - they all did the math. In the case of ZEN - the secretive pricing and the unsure costs may be holding folks back at the moment.

When Teck bought into the project, 10% new shares they also signed a 'standstill' agreement which gave DF the right to use thier shares for any buyout vote. Very smart move as it provided Friedland and insiders with control over 50% of the stock. We already know that AE has command of the outstanding shares. Still, if we go the strategic partner route, look for a simlar agreement.

Along the way to the buyout there were plenty of skeptics. Mark noted a few quotes. The VP Boulle was doing a road show in Europe and he was accused by another geologist of using stolen core from Sudbury. A lot of the skeptism was due to Friedland and his previous escapades so that was probably deserved. But a lot of it was simple disbelief.

A huge tsock price was eventually derived DESPITE Friedland's past and DESPITE there being significant issues with Innu and Innuit land claims that were unresolved.

Different story and different times but it did not much to get the ball rolling. The DF story goes against the 'no one would ever pay $X for a project' thinking. Rare and unique deposits are..well they are rare and unique for a reason.

We will have to sit back and see how this plays out.