All,
I would imagine there is no new info here, but this is the reply I got from Andrea Boltz:
The conclusion of negotiations for the definitive agreements of the Strategic Partnership is expected by July 30, 2010 between Crystallex and China Railway Resources Group (“CRRC”). Once completed, Crystallex will schedule a meeting of shareholders (expected in August) to seek approval of the terms and conditions of the Strategic Partnership. The closing of the transaction and launching of the Strategic Partnership is expected in the third quarter of 2010. The Permit does not need to be granted before July 30th.
As stated in our June 7, 2010 press release, “Under the terms of the Agreement, CRRC is leading the efforts of the strategic partnership to unblock the stalled environmental permitting process for Las Cristinas…”. The Government of Venezuela has advised Crystallex that it views the Strategic Partnership with China Railway most favourably.
Chairman and CEO of Crystallex, Robert Fung, recently gave a presentation at Crystallex’s Annual General Meeting. An archived webcast of the presentation is available at the following link: http://www.gowebcasting.com/events/crystallex-international-corporation/2010/06/23/annual-general-meeting/play . Your questions about the timing of the JV were addressed in the webcast and I believe will further clarify any outstanding questions you may have.