I agree and also know many people who are working there now from all over and would gladly work elsewhere like Schaft Creek. I guess all I am saying is that there is a potential for a bidding war for skilled labour which in turn has the potential to drive costs up prior to the mine being built.

I was also intrigued by a recent news report (I believe in Septemebr) that had the BC Minister of Energy and Mines saying that the mining industry was projected to spend the equivalent of what was spent on the Vancouver Olympics every year for the next five years and this does not include what is in the approval process. (someone correct me if I am wrong on this one) This combined with the projected skilled labour shortages in the construction sector in other Provinces will in my opinion drive costs up and make it extremely difficult if not impossible to estimate costs for any Project. It is amazing where people will travel to for work when signing bonuses, per diems, travel allowances etc. are offered as incentives. I believe this is the kind of competition you will see between companies to secure their labour force in the next number of years.

Again, I am not sure it is a factor when it comes to a buyout. Just something I was musing about while waiting patiently for Teck to make a decision.

Thank you everyone for your feedback - it is appreciated.

Boiler2