Hello Everyone,
first of all, I would like to compliment the recent posters on the great contributions. Keep up this great discussion.
I agree with Henry that getting the pilot plant up and running might not be a such a great challenge. I would even go a step further and say that even putting up a full fledged processing plant is not a major problem. Keep in mind, many processing steps that are required in this extraction method are standard in other industries. Think for example of the cement industry. There too, you have a comminution (i.e., grinding) step and a high temperature treatment. The temperature at the burning end in the cement industry ranges from about 2,400 to 2,700 F (1,300 to 1,500 C). My point is that a skilled processing engineer can put together a plant using mainly commercially available equipment. By using standard equipment and technology, implementation would be predictable, affordable and expeditious.
As far as management is concerned, I believe it is not a matter of hiring excellent people, it is rather a matter of putting excellent professionals in charge at the very top level. The CEO and President of a mining company does not necessarily need to be a mining pro. The qualities of a good team leader, excellent communication skills and a heavy dose of plain old common sense would be good start.
Austin Lett has been quoted with his remark that Naxos will need a higher powered management to take the company to the next level. It has also been reported that Jimmy John nodded in agreement to this statement Mr. Lett made at the presentation at Franklin Lake. I would like to ask Kim Brasington this: Assuming this really happened as reported, what does Jimmy John's nodding actually mean?
In conclusion, I would like to ask you all a hypothetical question. Let's assume that you are a corporate leader and you negotiate a financial deal for the company you represent. Closing this deal would be of immeasurable benefit to he company and its share holders. There is one catch, however: This new partner requires you to resign from your position and make room for somebody they believe would better fit the job description. Would you enthusiastically pursue and then close the deal?
Just some food for thought on a lazy Sunday.
Kurt Reschner |
