Exactly the typical case. The PGM's are of such high quantity that with a little (actually with a lot) chemical experimentation the higher valued PGM's will be the primary target of the extraction process as they provide the greatest value. The Cu will be a consequential 'Credit' and if maximizing the PGM extraction means a reduction of 5-15% Ni recovery the overall total value will be much greater by going for the PGM's first. Governments will take that every time. Governments are also keenly aware of the residue issue as well and will insist on maximizing overall total return through a once through the system treatment as apposed to the old 'Lazy' "get what is easiest" by old stale standards of before yesteryear. The Big, and increasingly even the mid tier, Miners are funding and applying research into many new and innovative methods and techniques of processing/treating Ore and alternatives to energy intensive smelting and refining processes. Consequently the overall process costs and recovery rates are improving. Bio-Techniques are advancing rapidly as well and are the big hope for dealing with not only mine tailings but also for reduction or eventual elimination of slag... Industries advance in leaps and the New advance in Mining and Mineral Processing has been worked on for more than twenty years and are well into the prototyping/experimental application stage. We with Noront's DE may as well get in front of this emerging reality and maximize our SP by being involved from the outset and not sell off cheap to a Big Boy so they can reap all the rewards. My point is two fold. 1. By doing all the types of follow up and technological investigation prior to a buy out we will be able to command and receive better valuation applied to the final Price Tag. 2. By doing this same work in advance of Legal/Commercial requirements we will set up the eventual Deposit development for much quicker exploitation at more favorable cost recovery and with minimal environmental impact and 'Legacy' concerns. This is what I call "Doing it Right" right from the outset. Benefits all round..... Having been involved in the mining industry, I am sure you can appreciate the forward looking manner Noront is so boldly displaying in every respect they can think of. The future is here with Noront Resources and this 'Virgin Mining District' called "The Ring of FIRE"!!! Just watch the "TROGS" on Bay Street knock that and then go home to the 'Burbs' worried about their Property Tax Rates for Community Enviromental Improvement. Can they make the connections without the short term 'Greed' blinding them as is the usual. Your post is pasted below for reference. Old Joe PS: They do not want to pay for retrofitting their neighborhood while their children and grandchildren complain, but may be all too willing to brow beat forward looking planing elsewhere. Do they ever take the time to stop and really think???? OLD Joe Having worked in the nickel mining business for over 30 years I belive I know quite a bit about the reality of this business. The mine managers do not look at the PGM values during the floatation process. The Mill is set up for maximizing the recovery of nickel and copper - the two largest components in the ore. Everything else - whatever you get - just comes along for the ride even if they provide a nice kick in profits. Therefore cobalt and the PGMs often only get a recovery of 50-80% of what's in the ore. Mining is a costly business and mining a grade that is marginally better than what is found in the tailings component of the milling process (approx. .20% Ni) just does not cut it since there are many factors that go into determining the cut off grade. Today's high metal prices allow for a cut off grade of about .4% NI + Cu in my estimation as the PGM values at this level are generally too low to be a contributing factor. Further governments do not dictate to mining companies as to what grade of ore to mine - they are more concerned about regulating what goes out the back door as a possible source of pollution.