baddog,

I have to disagree that the cost of mining the deposit has not been discussed much. We have in the past, and maybe you missed it. Here is a link to one of the most expensive start up projects ongoing. You will see the figure of $5.2, a far cry from $100 billion start up. Some projects today are large scale and are around the $1 billion start up price tag, nevertheless, most are around $500 million(these are only top of the head approximations)

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/07/29/novagold-galorecreek-idUSN1E76S04I20110729

We also have discussed the metalurgy and the bulk sampling, 2 things in determining cost per ounce to mine and the separation process. This will be open pit and the mining costs for an open pit are lower.

These mining/startup costs will be taken into consideration on a bid, but remember, the higher the grade, the quicker the return on mining break even time.

IMO