As noted from the September 6th press release:
"The demonstration plant will process Elk Creek ore samples in three phases. Testing is expected to be completed over the next several weeks. NioCorp expects to publicly disclose testing results after each operational phase concludes."
From an online dictionary:
How many is several?
When it comes to several, well, there are going to be several answers. Generally speaking, several is used to refer to quantities above two or so but not so much that it’s a lot or many. Perhaps the most common interpretation or intended sense of several is around three to five, but this can vary greatly depending on the context. If the numbers under discussion are particularly large, then the exact meaning of several can expand. For example, several people could mean eight or nine or even more in a crowd of hundreds, but four or five in a crowd of 10.
It is now 5.5 weeks since the Sept. 6th press release. From my perspective, expectations set by this press release have not been met. The next several weeks have passed and we have no information about the test results or even if any of the operational phases have concluded. This is just an example of failing to meet expectations and providing no explanation about why. I am personally very disappointed at first the failure to deliver and second the failure to communicate.
How are we supposed to interpret the meaning of several? Is it the most common 3-5 weeks, 8 or 9, or something else? If it's intentionally vague, there needs to be recognition that the most common interpretation or intended sense of several is around three to five and not providing a status update is bound to leave many shareholders disappointed, frustrated, and feeling let down. Management can do better. Management needs to do better. We have had a string of news releases and information that is positive. Where are the demonstration plant phase one results? This is not the way to build trust. This is not a respectful way to treat shareholders. I am not saying this in anger. I am being rather blunt (stark truth if you will) as I see a real opportunity for improvement. Did they forget how expectations around starting demo plant operations were not met? Months of delay from what was originally suggested. Eventually we learned about the kiln but even that had such an indefinite timeline that only added to frustration. Communication over the lengthy delay could have been much better. Overpromised and underdelivered. I personally do not like to be like a mushroom and left in the dark. Is providing an update difficult? Why are we left to wonder and speculate about delays?
Speaking my mind here--if expectations are raised, management needs to deliver or offer an explanation why that has not been the case. JMO but it's time to step up to the plate and give us an update on the demo plant status.
