I have run the numbers listed in SRU's scoping study with current metal prices(some lower than they actually are)
27.5 million lbs of nickel
43.6 million lbs of copper
2.9 million lbs of cobalt
1.4 million tonnes sulphuric acid
1.4 million tonnes hematite
Ni=$11/lb(currently at $11.57)
Cu=$3.50/lb(currently at $3.577/lb)
Co=$29.00/lb(currenly above $30/lb I believe)
Sulphuric Acid=$100/tonne(currently floating a little above $100)
Hematite=$100/tonne(currently spot prices around $120/tonne)
This works out to:
Ni=$302,500,000/yr
Cu=$152,600,000/yr
Co=$72,500,000/yr
S=$140,000,000/yr
H=$140,000,000/yr
_______________
$807,600,000/yr
Add in the power and platinum and palladium and I think that number could come up close to $1,000,000,000/yr. I believe this to be very economical and feel it is a shame that management has not focused more on completing this project before moving onto other properties. Time to refocus management I think!