Could it be that many of the JV Companies are looking to put the Financial Squeezs on this current BoD while the current Bod is trying to regain 100% on ALL the Noront Property?

Something else I am thinking is that the relaticely Shallow Drilling on JV properties as well as Adjacent to other's Properties (FWR, PRB, FAN, etc.) is part of a Game to have others bear some Expense burden and do their own Drilling. Otherise, Shallow drilling is less expensice and does provide valuable Geological Information. Add to all this the idea that the Majors would/will be much more attracted to Open Pit Operations as these are very usually very much less expensice and much quicker to Finance and Develop. Given the Banking MESS and Credit Crunch expected to be with us for a very good time to come, low Start Up and Operating Costs is/are an Important Consideration for the next few years and beyond.

Old Joe

PS: I like the Info re Barrick coming from rodge. Thanks for that. It helps us in terms of who we may be dealing with and also that WE CAN DO what we hopefully will not need to do.