An exploration shaft straight down the throat of Eagle1, for further exploration at depth? What would it cost? 40-50mill to a depth of 1300m? If there was an winter road to accomodate heavy traffic, they could probably recover 10-15mill by selling the ore, and save the rest in reduced drilling costs,as they could then prove up at depth by drilling from the 12-1300m level.The cost would then be recovered a second time as it would greatly improve the logistics of a permanent shaft, as all waste rock could be removed from below, at least to the 1300m mark and then it could be utilized further as a ventilation shaft or an orepass or something once regular production started. And the permitting required for an exploration shaft would be miniscule compared to full mining permits.

The powers that be are aware of scenarios such as this, along with many others. How much objection would they encounter if they suddenly announced a 60m financing for just such a purpose. If there was some sort of agreement between the parties on infrastructure financing, which I suspect is already in place, or soon to be so, and they then announced such a financing, I would opine that NOT would suddenly regain it's position as "King of the ring".

The winter road concept is not such a far fetched idea either. Regardless of how this plays out, whether a railroad, slurry pipeline, or highway, a winter road is the first requisite, as they need to bring in the heavy euipment to do the job, and nothing else is practical. Another thought would be to stockpile the ore on site once the infrastructure was announced. They could presell a lot of ore for delivery in 3 years at a good discount, and likely finance the initial shaft from the proceeds.

Best regards

K