Member Info for addicknt

BTFATH, you suggest "keep it going as a going concern", that's exactly what this deal does.
It's a horrible outcome for shareholders, but directors have legal responsibilities to all stake holders and that includes all creditors and, most importantly, employees. This deal provides that result.
A very bad day, but people will keep their jobs and the airline will continue to provide a service.

And, as is so often the case, he was right. His warning gave people plenty of opportunity to sell and re-buy today. Far too many on this site have a blind spot as far as TW is concerned and they lose money as a result. This share is just yet another example.

Strider, I thought he said 9 of the 12 rigs would be used at various locations in Alpala and 3 would be available for regional work. Assuming I didn't mis-hear, this clearly defines the priorities.
I guess the point of all this is to try to get into the mind of Mather. By prioritizing in the way he has, is he in effect saying: " I'd be happy to get full value for Alpala and a bit of value for the rest this year"? Or is he saying: " We'll prove Alpala this year and then move onto the rest over the next few years and will not entertain any approaches until we've achieved this"?
Or is he actually prepared to contradict himself and will accept an approach for Alpala on a stand alone basis?

Strider, a reduced level of activity, but with a heavy emphasis on Alpala north west and a measured programme of regional activity. In other words, we wont be seeing the same level of announcements as we did in 2018, but the aim is to really nail-down what is contained at Alpala. And this makes it interesting in terms of what a potential buyer will be looking at. In other words, the real value focus will be on Alpala and although we'd expect to receive some value from the rest, if a bid comes this year, we will not be in a position to be able to prove value to the same level. This confirms what many people on here have been saying.
This leaves matters open to debate about what is likely to happen this year on the corporate front. 2019 is all about Alpala.

Strider, you mention the ongoing drill programme at Alpala, if you haven't do so already, I'd recommend listening to Ben Whistler's December interview. I found it fascinating.

What mystifies me is, who on earth would buy 15 shares?

Btw, it's worth noting that despite promising to listen to the concerns of locals, Moreno has overruled them, even in the highly sensitive Amazonian areas.

schlemiel, good post, although I'm afraid to say the company is not particularly helpful in this respect. They simply state that we have the concessions...end of. Quite rightly, they will not speculate about political events, although you can 100% guarantee that this will always be an item on the monthly board agenda.
Personally, and based upon where we are exploring, I think the balance of risk is in our favour.

I think this single issue has taken up more of my time than any other. I have researched endlessly and have tried to take an objective view.
Much of the stuff on the internet is produced by those with a vested interest i.e environmental lobbying groups. This is not to say they should be ignored, but they are pushing an agenda and one has to be very wary. Although the national government view is positive and welcoming, it's actually quite difficult to understand how far they will go to ensure their ambitions for mining will be supported in the face of any opposition. And I have to say, I don't find the information produced by the company to be that helpful.
From what I can see, the main objections have been raised where there's a clear case of intervention in protected areas; Rio Blanc being one of the most obvious examples.(this was discussed on here not long ago) There was a series of maps posted recently detailing the protected areas and from what I could see, we are not exploring within them (the maps were difficult to read and therefore I may be wrong) Cascabel appears not to be in such a sensitive area...is that the general view? Intag, which is mentioned in the article, is in the same province as Cascabel, but appears to be a wholly different kettle of fish, in as much as the geography is very different to ours.(it's interesting to note that the local mayor in Intag was quoted as saying that under the law, mining companies have more rights than the local communities)
It has proved to be impossible to draw any conclusion from my research, which is not helpful. However, as far as Cascabel is concerned, and as far as I've been able to define, no local objections have been raised and given that we've been there for quite some time, you'd have thought that any such problems would have already surfaced. I take great comfort from this.
I have one potential ace up my sleeve. A very old friend of mine has run the Latin American desk of the World Bank for many years and I have asked for his overview, which I will report back in due course. The bank has previously funded exploration projects in Ecuador, but this was in the '90s and eventually did not progress.
So what's my conclusion so far? The overall need for income in Ecuador is paramount. If they wish their economy to grow and to provide stability, they have very few other options. However, over the next decade I think they'll reach a compromise; they will allow projects to proceed in the less sensitive areas, but may hold back on those which are of environmental concern...at least for the time being. Therefore, the key question for us is; just how mining-friendly are the areas in which we have concessions?

Asimo, it is unusual, particularly as it would have been negotiated by BHP.
And yes, your point is valid. However, my guess is that they feel the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Not being an Insider gives them greater freedom.

Slightly different application, but I note Premiere Inns are opening a new hotel which will have the capacity to be run by battery.
Apparently, it will save them 20k per annum.

Jollifant, we are sitting on something which is "unique" and you can bet your bottom dollar NM is not going to give it away cheaply. I imagine if someone mentioned 80p to him, they'd politely be shown the door.

BigCashews, I don't recall him saying that. As far as production is concerned, he has always appeared to be very confident of funding the project without the need for trade investors, although I'm a tad sceptical about that.
In any event, neither of these eventualities will come to pass.

BigCashews, not according to NM. He is vehemently opposed to jvs.

Noise, this is not new. He's been banging the nationalism drum for a long time, which has very sadly cast a shadow over EMH.
One can only hope he comes to his senses, or more likely, losses an election.

Give it time, Jerry.

Given what's happening in the market today, this was a well-timed RNS.

when he talks about our overall project "...that's unique and can't be replicated"...sweet music to the ears!

to the New Year.
An absolutely wonderful RNS.

if Rick Rule's December interviews were posted, but if not have a look (they are on you Tube)
They are a macro- overview, but it's pretty clear we fall into each of his investment categories for the coming year.
Apologies if they are old news.