I can partially agree with both of you.  Where I agree is in the fact that small producer-explorers are inclined to take on more risk in a market like this.  Among them is where a partnership could come from if BG were inclined to seek or accept offers from them.  Sadly, I do not believe that to be the case.  He seems stuck on the idea that he can interest an "international miner."

Otherwise, I have to resist the idea that major producers are more inclined to sink money into exploration as copper prices rise.  They like to grow by buying production, not by exploring for it.  That said, they do make exceptions under conditions that do not apply here - adding to production by doing a little exploration at or adjacent to existing projects.  Again, the exception does not apply here.