there was nothing but good news in today's conference call. the construction of pirquitas is going well, and everything is on track. in fact, improvements have been made. the planned pit has been enlarged, and the strip ratio has gone down from 4.8 to 3.1, and the pit wall will now include tailings from adjacent to the pit. the tailings have the same grade as the rest of their reserves, so this will improve cash flow while removing an environmental hazard.

there is a long list of structures and equipment that are in construction, or have been completed - the bottom line is that commissioning is still planned for the fourth quarter, and the pouring of concentrate in the first quarter of 2009.

they are in final negotiations on offtake agreements with smelters and metals traders, especially with respect to silver, which is three-quarters of the economic value of pirquitas. they now employ 100 locals and have support at all levels of government.