Member Info for Takayama

If you're willing to buy 1000 at £1 right now, then I'm sure I'd figure out a way ;-)

- but the offer will expire at 1 pm this afternoon!

Hi Jersey Steve - I can sell you 1000 shares for your £1000 if you wish.

It certainly sounds like someone knows something.

6/7 weeks until results. My guess is that we'll see an uptick. Perhaps not to the 40p level that it's advisors are predicting, but I bet there are some buyers waiting in the wings to see these results. Having read the latest research note, I've been put off cashing in to venture elsewhere.

It's not the 1950s any more! The world has moved on! It's all a little bit more sophisticated than little brown envelopes these days! Lol!

Of course the people of Norbotten County and Modig will benefit also, but they're not blocking. (I should have added that last bit).

Suzy2 - Given they are not doing their job, then what? We all sit on our hands and wait for something to happen? You're right that people in the area will benefit too. I wasn't particularly clear. Sorry. Perhaps I should rephrase a little. As a shareholder of BEM myself and not as a resident of Norbotten County, my shareholding will benefit from a decision. Thus given I am a stakeholder in this, I have a choice - do nothing or do something. I will benefit if I do something. I won't benefit by doing nothing. The Sami on the other hand, as those responsible for reindeer husbandry can do nothing - and they will benefit. The point being that BEM could find a way to demonstrate to the Sami that doing something, they will benefit more. Think Mo Mowlem's role in Northern Ireland. Of course, the people of Norbotten County inc Modig will benefit also.

Suzy2 and aug59 - I don't disagree with you for the most part. That the Sami repudiated, of course. But I'd say all the more reason to find a way to engage! The issue about ownership - well yes, you're right, but perhaps politically it is viewed from a wider perspective. Aboriginal land rights are an issue the world over. It is not for BEM to make anything happen? Well, of course, you're right. That's what process is for. But I guess that sometimes, you have to work outside whatever the process is to help it along. And I'd say this is the time. So if it isn't BEM's responsibility to make anything happen, then who? unfortunately, the answer is no one. And since it is going to be BEM that would benefit, I'd suggest it would be worth the effort.

Suzy2 - That's a company statement designed to reassure the investment community. At the end of the day, there is something on the Sami side suggesting they are not happy. The Swedish government knows about that (and so does BEM, I'm sure), hence the swedish government's letter to UNESCO - it's a 'conflict' between the interest of reindeer husbandry and mineral exploitation. The point is you want the reindeer herders to say the mine is a good idea - or at least their best option. They haven't. So that's the key. Work out why and then address the issue. You can address it three ways: (a) ignore their concerns - I'd suggest that ain't gonna happen as easily these days in Sweden as perhaps it would have done 50 years ago. The world has moved on. And Sweden is more progressive than most. It ain't Brazil. (b) rely on process to deliver the outcome - hmmmmm, ok. That doesn't seem to be working. or (c) identify what their 'price' is and get them to buy into the project. I'm as convinced as you that this is doable. But the Sami aren't. Regardless of how many statements the board issue. Long term, Kallak is going to happen, and when I mean long term I mean within the next 300 years. The key to doing it now is to find a way with the Sami to help them understand that doing it with BEM is their best bet. So BEM have to construct that 'bet' and present it to the Sami beyond what they've done already. What I see from the company announcements it is us against them. How about finding a way that it is presented as 'the Sami have helped us devise this and it is in everyone's best interest '? I don't know why the Sami are not on board. Sometimes it can be down to a personality clash between the people sent to resolve these issues. That stupid. So I'd suggest, with what is at stake, the board approach it again or differently, whichever applies. Relying on process ain't gonna do much.

It's up to the BEM board to come up with a strategy. For the moment, they don't seem to have any strategy other than to follow process. If only they were more imaginative. There's a few ways they could do it. I'm not sure if the board have given up or they simply lack imagination. As a punter on the outside, I have to say it's frustrating to watch a company with so much potential seemingly willingly stand still. They're good guys, they're great miners but that's not enough in this case. If they don't develop their approach, they may just see the Kallak prospect get flushed down the toilet - for nothing beyond a politician not thinking beyond the end of their tiny noses. Suzy2: The ICR btw is on the internet. With your interest in reindeer numbers Suzy2, I'm surprised you haven't already come across it. ;-)

I agree completely with you johnthegolf and treetop. Those things did happen. But they didn't hit the mark for whatever reason. But everyone has their price ultimately (which one poster already pointed out). So I can't help but believe that there is a solution to this. We can wait for the poiticians, but of course, they have different interests related to their careers, or we can try again to get a local solution. It may not be a bucket of cash, but I'm guessing it revolves around somehow cracking the 'reindeer husbandry' nut. There are relatively few Samis but they have deep roots - and, in not a particularly legal way - that is their land. So if only there were a way to get them onboard....... . We would then present the politicians with a solution to their conundrum. Because the politicians aren't going to find a solution. They've other things to think about.

Roller1 - my motivation is to make money too. But sometimes the easiest way to make money is to consider what is stopping you from making money and deal with it. The days of gunboat diplomacy are over, and doing nothing leads us to the situation where we are now. But yes, let's make money. And be smart about it.

I'd add that the letter boils down the government's dilemma to being a conflict between the national interest of mineral extraction against the national interest of reindeer husbandry. Meanwhile, the ICR (International Centre for Reindeer Husbandry) talk about recruitment into the livelihood as being a major challenge to the future of reindeer husbandry. It isn't one for a mining company to resolve but ........ . There seems to be enough there for a reasonable dialogue if one hasn't already taken place, wouldn't you think? Big rich (ok, not yet) mining company working with local indigenous people to secure the long term future of reindeer husbandry? Looking at the ICR, it doesn't look like an approach that's been particularly tried yet.

Yes I have. It's on the internet via the Beowulf Facebook group. In answer to your question, no. Nothing devious. They are simply inviting "comments and recommendations". Ho hum.

3cardbrag: That's a tough call. Some people simply aren't driven by cash. My comment was a bit vague also. What I mean by that was that the Sami have nothing to gain by a mine. They're already happy with their lifestyle. They may get a few extra jobs and some extra cash, but I'm guessing that doesn't amount to a hill of beans for them. It amounts to a lot for Sweden and the non-Samis but politically, Sami are king at the moment. There must be something that they'd like though. I guess if I was Kurt, I'd be looking at their needs beyond the simple employment/cash equation in order to make it a win/win. That would feel easier at the moment. I've followed the story for some years now, and I know that the "friendly hand of industry" has been extended, but perhaps the Sami didn't feel it was genuine enough. I haven't followed the exact detail of everything so I apologise if Kurt has done everything, but you know, if it hasn't worked, it's always worth trying again. With all that is at stake, I wouldn't put all my eggs in the 'sweden's mining process is going to resolve this for me" basket. I'd perhaps go a bit deeper in to work out what would nudge the Sami. It would be worth it, wouldn't it? And after all, their demands look resolvable to me.

Can you be more specific please Suzy2?

Johnthegolf - Good post. I'd say that I don't know the answers. I'm guessing. The difficulty with doing your own research about such things is sometimes we tend not to challenge ourselves. I'm basing my view on my impression - BEM have got a really good case, they've done everything by the book, environmentally it makes sense to produce ore locally (shipping it is massively bad for the environment), bridges can be built for the reindeer, and the environment will renew itself when the mine moves out in 50-100 years. Look at Chernobyl these days! But you are going against the Sami nation. Did you watch the movie 'Klaus' with your kids over Christmas? The Sami feature. They were the good guys. BEM would be the bad guys. And Sweden is essentially a country of people who care about things like that. As is quite a lot of the world which has wealth. It is pristine, untouched ancient forest (I think). It isn't in the interest of the Sami for the mine to go ahead. Politicians sometimes make the wrong decisions. It's a tough one - and of course I (personally) believe it is doable, and manageable to have a mine there. Non-Sami have moved into the area- it's been the way of the world for 200 years at least for outsiders to move into such areas as a result of industrialisation. So whose interests should the politicians protect? Those of the indigenous Sami or those of the invaders who have been there for 200 or more years - and their wider interests (ie Sweden)? Such 'border disputes' have been a feature for a long time now. The question goes way beyond BEM's preparedness I think. And that's the question Baylan has on his mind - as well as other politicians.

PAYJJ - A summary of Baylan's answers: "Of course, it is an unacceptable delay and I'll do everything I can do to move things along" - This translates as "I'm a bloody politician! What are you asking me that for? Of course I'm not going to do anything! It's too risky. Either way I risk ****ing people off and lose votes so I'll do nothing for as long as possible!"

Thanks Shakey.