DCbass,

Your explanation regarding drilling is pretty much exactly what I was told at the broker meetings in NYC.

PQ also told me that they would punch small drill holes spaced out evenly (don't remember the distance) along the length of the sinker as well. My interpretation was that was for assaying to find the hot spots.

However, I do believe they are required to do an environmental impact study before drilling in the Sinker Tunnel. I don't know how long or what expense is required for that, but if that is true, it is my impression that surface drilling would occur prior to drilling in the Sinker Tunnel even though PQ indicated at the broker meeting that they were prepared to begin drilling in May if they got the funds in April.