JB,

Yup, one has to build a mine first before ore can be shipped out. Ice roads would be required to transport equipment and supplies in the RoF whether they are for the underground operation at BH (in co-operation with NOT) or in a JV with PRB in an open-pit operation at BC. The question is which one (the underground or open pit) is easier and faster to build. As I see it NOT will want to mine its Ni first before doing the chromite, so this option may take longer, unless they have second thought about their game plan. On the other hand, PRB is not doing anything about BC (too busy with the Au at Borden Lake) hence it may be more than willing to throw BC on the table in a potential JV with KWG. In addition the deposit is high grade, at high ground and easier to get at with an open pit operation.

Assuming that the RR is a few years down the road, as you have indicated, the ice road for shipping the stuff out is an option to get some cash flow, even if this may be a temporary solution. But for bankers and investors who are pouring the money in, they would want to see some definite propect of the potential cash coming in. They want to have some ptential ROI to show to their own shareholders.

When the RR has been built, then it would be a different ball game. The revenue from this operation is another cash cow from the fees that KWG (and PRB?) would rake in from other miners, including CLF, if it can get the chromite to the railhead.

As I have indicated, this BT site-to-railhead access may be a make-or-break issue for the development of BT. CLF may want to take a run at both PRB and KWG to pull these thorns off its side, if it has enough money. Better do it quick since it will get more and more expensive for a TO.

Just my musings,

goldhunter