Hello John: I think your previous remarks concerning the NWT
pipes was intended to stir the pot. Well., I think Walt has stated
some very valid points. I will now add some as well., a lot of assumptions are being made in Alberta. Thus far they have fallen short. The .76carat diamond is hope., but that doesnt guarantee
a commercial deposit. You can slam all you want., but I personally
own 4 of the richest pipes cluster in the world with a fifth pipe being
delineated. I also own 4 other pipes with Mountain Province., last
year was very successful., and this year Mountain Province will be
taking a giant leap in proving the others as well. DeBeers moved
to Vancouever to protect their interests., those interests I believe
lie in the Northwest Territories and Victoria Island., as well as Greenland. Aber doesnt need defending they have the goods.,
Mountain Province as well may have the goods. Ashton could
very well have economics in Alberta., you will just have to wait and
see., however 45carats/ton is minimum and gem quality of 100.00carat as well. I have yet to see an indication of gem quality
approaching those numbers. Remember as well., that Ashton will settle for inferior gem quality., that is their business except the few
pinks they pull out of the Argyle.,. the Argyle would be hard pressed
to justify current market share. Remember as well., that DeBeers can
ramp up production on the Orapa., which is a similiarly marginal deposit to fill the void of the Argyle., in 4 or 5 years. Studies have been done that show in a decreasing demand scenario., that the high
gem quality deposits., will be mined still retaining excellent cash flows
and profits., the marginals will close. Argyle being the exception due
to the great pinks that are mined. The rest is off color stones., browns., off yellows., not much in demand., but with proper marketing
can be sold. So dont assume be Ashton finds a pipe that has some
stones., they will be econcomically produced. DeBeers could at any
time increase production of marginal stones from Orapa., to fill the
void from Argylle anticipated. So under those circumstances I would
be real cautious in the words you put on these threads., it may come
back to haunt you as well. Have fun and keep digging
George J. Tromp |
