There is no anti-mothball clause. But the section on a production decision, in the jv agreement, states what is required for the production decision.

According to the list the optimizations should be the only thing outstanding.

So let's say optimizations are done and given to the committee by March. At that point they have all the required documentation for a decision. The next possible delay is saying they want to go back to the FS stage. But after that there isn't really anything else one could use to delay. (at least according to the jv agreement).

--------------

I would think if they went to all the trouble of doing the optimizations - they would update the FS too. I'm not in that business so you can take that with a handful of salt.

If the optimizations are significant (smaller or relocated pit/mill/slopes, etc.) it could be a complete do over? I'm sure they could work faster than Moose Mountain did.

Do they need to "use" anything to delay? Does the JV agreement state once these items are completed a decision needs to be made? I'm not trying to put words in your mouth, but thats how I am interpreting what you said. I may be of the wrong impression that there was nothing written in that could force Teck's hand. I admittedly have not studied the JV agreement, but it seems that you have.

If it is in there that would be great news!

They wouldn't be moving ahead and checking things off the list if they were bound by the JV agreement to make a decision upon its completion. If you can show us where it says this it would be a big positive for all. I for one would feel better about any risk of shelving.