In Teck's eyes, are we the #1 prospect in the system? Are we even the #1 copper prospect?

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Take a look at Teck's copper section of their website:

www.teck.com/Generic.aspx?PAGE=Teck+Site%2FDiversified+Mining+Pages%2FCopper

Read any of their NRs or listen to the conference calls.

All public guidance has us far down the line. In their investor information we are hard to find at all, and definately not the #1 prospect.

Some here think that is because we are their secret next play that they will spring on the market shortly (and pay us 1.2 bln for our 25%?). Who knows, they may be calling it right - Teck may actually be selling off streaming credits/shutting down projects, laying off 1000 workers and tightening their belt just to buy us out and start a new $3+ bln project in these market conditions (on top of the 1.2 bln buyout of our 25% to boot?)

Personally I think Teck's fortunes need to improve significantly before they commit to another mega-project like ours. I just don't think Teck would "bet the farm" on our project right now, as it may be make or break for the company if they did. I don't think they would take such a risk now when they own 75% of the property already for next to nothing and can develop it whenever they see fit. Its not going anywhere and they are in the driver's seat. They seem more concerned about recovering their investment grade status IMHO.

I am hopeful that we shortly see the results of optimization, or they start work on the enviromental approvals or studies. This will bouy our SP somewhat, but I can't see them diving in with both feet right now.

I know my opinion isn't going to be a popular one, and I admit I could be completely wrong on all of this, but that's how I see it...