Some key points to take away from the Majors and their current activities is that they are basically intending to Conserve the Mounds of Cash they made in the past 3-8 years so as to be able to SNAP UP any new "Best of the Best" Discoveries (as well as keep their best producing/profitable Mines running). And Noront Resources is basically at the TOP OF THE "Best of the Best" Nickel related HEAP.

Another point to keep in mind is that with the Delay(s), Closure(s), and Termination(s) (some of the Laterite Developments very likely will eventually be Terminated due to cost considerations in the world of Eco Friendly and Cash Strapped Banks concerning furure Development) of Low Grade/High Development-Production Cost Operations, the Supply of Nickel will be much less than previously Projected. Laterite Properties will be significant among these Low Grade/High Development- Operation Cost Delays, Closures, and Terminations.

Thus, given the reduced number of "Furure - Pipe Line" Projects from which to chooes when looking to keep Corporate Production / Reserve at comfortable levels, the Majors will extremely seriously consider their prospects Going Forward WITH OR WITH OUT Noront Resources.

Where there is a Will, there is a Way! Thus, even cash challenged Xstrata will consider WITH VS WITH OUT extremely seriously. Too much Good Fit, kind of stuff there. Same for Cash Rich VALE.

Old Joe