That's kinda what I'm thinking Vette. I think Elmer has a good idea of what those unexplored zones are worth without drilling them. But Elmer knows that TCK will want to underpay for them - drills or no drills - given the kinda deals there are out there that do limit how much one can pay for deposits in this market. TCK could say you haven't drilled or, if we did drill them, 'you haven't drilled enough', so we can't pay you more than X or Y. respectively.

Given CUU's strength as an explorer, relative to TCK's exploration skills, this would point to the best case of CUU holding those zones to explore.

Conversely, given TCK's (&CIC's) deep pockets (plus opportunities for another partner), and corporate objectives of concentrating on bulk truck and shovel operations (like SC) they are in a better position (financially, publicly, and along corporate goals/philosophy) to concentrate on developing Schaft Creek while CUU works its magic on the targets all around.

Certainly, TCK could go for the whole she-bang (complete CUU buyout). But, they might be more inclined to keeping to their respective expertise (truck and shovel mining) while employing/deploying CUU's expertise in exploration for the better individual benefits to both parties. Round pegs into round holes, square pegs into square holes simply fall into place.

That all said, this is also pure conjecture.

I'm headed on holidays for 2 weeks tomorrow. I have bad timing for holidays since I also took some time late Dec 2011 when BFS was 'ready to drop'. Planning too far ahead doesn't always work for me. Whatever happens, I'm locked in for the ride and even picked up some more recently which I will 'surprise' my Wife with at payout LOL!

GLTA.