We do not have the full study but minerals in the ground are not normally considered 'equity'. OK they can be considered an 'asset' even if not on the balance sheet at their 'worth'.

So what value would a 'Bank' put on such mineral assets? It's only when they come out of the ground and can be delivered for further processing or directly to customer that they have value.

OK a bank (or financial institution) would fund infrastructure BUT only if they were 100% assured that the project would be completed and economic shipments to fund repayment was going to happen. That means the party they lend to MUST have the financial strength to cover all eventuallities and there is no risk whatsoever of the 'bank' taking any loss.

Sorry but the only one capable of obtaining required funding for the envisioned 'project' is a 'MAJOR' either by buying into a JV or outright purchase.