To All: I am glad to see our discussion return to the "exchange of information and ideas mode" Previous posters raised some very interesting questions and I would like to contribute my two cents.
Carl, as far as I know, the "shake and bake" process IS the recovery method. From what I could gather about this assay/recovery process, the "shake" part it involves grinding the ore to a very fine mesh. The "bake" part is a proprietary high temperature treatment in order to convert the precious metal compounds from an amorphous stage to a crystalline one. I believe it is exactly the conversion from amorphous to crystalline structure that will allow assay/recovery with conventional methods, e.g. standard fire assay or gravity separation for the recovery. For more detailed descriptions, we would have to wait until the patent is awarded.
It is not that unusual to have amorphous PM deposits. Typically, an amorphous structure tends to occur when a gaseous solid (metal) is cooled very quickly. This appears to be consistent with the theory that there was some volcanic activity in the FL area that released precious metals.
Grasso, I believe the patent filing number is irrelevant. Also, keep in mind that a patent it a double edged sword. As soon as a patent is awarded, all information pertaining to the claim becomes public information. For this reason, many ground braking developments are NOT patented. I still hope Dr. Johnson will be awarded a patent for finding the proverbial needle in the hay stack.
Lonnie, I don't think the COC was questioned, at least not by Ledoux.. As I understand it, the recently released numbers were obtained under full chain of custody at Ledoux. Quite understandably, they are very hesitant to certify such spectacular numbers, hence their request to run another test or two. I am reasonably confident that Ledoux will release ALL numbers (they have been running tests for three months now) before Christmas, OR as soon as Naxos calls them with the news that the two other labs have obtained similar COC numbers using the Johnson Process (personally dislike the term "Methodology").
To those who still suspect a scam, please, ask yourselves if Naxos has ANY characteristics of a scam. How long have they been working on the FL or body - Is it typical for a scam operation to survive eight years of scrutiny? How consistent is the geology in that area with the assay numbers? Do we have any reason to suspect a conspiracy between the Lab and the mining company? Has any one of you received phone calls offering you a "once in a life time deal, but you must act now."?
I am looking forward to reading your comments.
Kurt |
