In looking on sedar through some of the old PR's, I found the following in the August 24, 2007 "Corporate Update on Drill and Exploration Programs" press release:
Due to the encouraging drill results to date, the Company has commenced with the permitting processes for the dewatering of the Langmuir No. 1 Mine. Depending on the permitting process and the completion of the closure plan required for the advance exploration at the Langmuir No.1 Mine, the Company intends to begin dewatering as soon as possible, which could be as early as October 2007. The underground exploration activities are designed to continue outlining the nickel mineralization for a mineral resource calculation, extend the existing ramp to the 425 foot level, begin underground drilling via the ramp, and allow for a bulk sample of the nickel mineralization estimated to begin as soon as dewatering is complete.
Does todays press release mean that we are nearing the end of this dewatering permit process? If not, what has transpired in the meantime?
In a press release dated Dec 14th, 2006: Inspiration has engaged BZ Environmental Consulting of Timmins, Ontario, to conduct a comprehensive documentation of the existing environmental conditions at the Langmuir Project for an Environmental Baseline Study. Due to the lack of any background information pertaining to the former mining activities, the study examined the health of the ecosystem by monitoring water quality, sediment quality, benthos, on site soil quality and vegetation. Monthly water quality samples have been ongoing since May 2006 and will continue for 12 months from that date. This study is a major requirement for future permitting of the property leading to advance exploration status with the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines.
Is the dewatering permitting process that complicated and difficult in Canada such that it requires several years to acquire? Will the trio of reports require as much effort/time? Perhaps it might behoove management to hold off till the next commodity cycle hits. Any thoughts?