I don't recall too many countries that essentially hold veto power over their gold mining. If they consider this "strategic" they should go at it on their own. Some oil companies have already discovered the hard way how easy it is for Putin and his mafia to change the rules when it benefits them.

Then again it should be clear to anyone of the dangers of joint projects of this nature. All I'd like to point out is how risky it is to get involved in a place like Russia when there are other safer jurisdictions (like Canada).

I'm hoping that K comes to its senses and once they waste a few $'s with the prefeasibility study. conclude that this is a very poor investment and walk as far away as possible.

Just my $0.02.