Baires,

I'm sure you were joking. A mute point is, I suppose, a point made by a person who lacks the ability to speak.

A MOOT point is one that is no longer applicable. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/moot_point

As for the JV point, don't you all think it would be better to wait till we have a permit, before draing in a big player? After all, a big name could cause increased expectations by first nations and GNWT, whereas a modest little gold mine could be brought on line with less greed by the stakeholders.

SKELEG