"As I recall the drainage patterns and transferred claim blocks, the new acquistioins don't really help Pebble, for they still drain "directly" south..."

Good to know in regards to the transfered claim blocks. Means the rest of Big Chunk should be "in the clear", if my understanding is correct. I thought that most of BC drained into Kuskokwim Bay, and not Bristol Bay per se, which adjoins to the south.

http://www.alaskais.com/akwc.htm

However, if EPA just wants to shut down mining in certain places for political reasons, as they are trying to do in many parts of the country, there is no protection to be had anyway (though I think Hay Mountain will not provoke the same ire as Rosemont, Resolution Copper, Safford and other points in AZ).

No matter, I can't see much coming in the near term that will give a boost to LBSR's Alaska claims.

Thanks.