Xstrata would, in my opinion, be more interested in the Nickel/Copper/PGM and taking out Chromite resource probably not a factor.

Consider that Xstrata, while a dominate player, is far from the only S. African source of Chromite and already have large competitors with big chromite deposits. Taking out a Canadian resource wouldn't be profit beneficial as it wouldn't change the competitive situation. *Note other big S. African FerroChrome producers have also mothballed furnaces to dramatically cut production.

Hey I love the Chromite grades and size being found and see it having value down the road BUT am having, like the market in general, trouble putting a high value on it in this economic climate and see the 'ROF' as far more 'economic' when more Nickel and other metals are added to the mix.

Noront certainly does have enough drills turning on targets to completely change the market's preception of and valuation of the 'ROF'. Just taking more time, under trying economic conditions, to get to that point.