I would like to get some sort of update from Dan about what's happening with the starter pit operation at Duparquet. IMO the biggest question to be answered there is how long will it takes to be permitted for actual mining to begin or to maybe get into the old tailings there? Dan should know that already. He's talked about starting some sort of work to begin there, but he's not been specific or to date followed up on those statements. He's talking favorably about it, but not following up with any facts. Maybe I'll have to go to Paul this week and speak to him.
I've heard several interviews that Keith's made in the past speaking to diversifying First Majestic into mining more gold. I think that over the years he's come to the realization that because the silver price is so volatile and stays closer to the bottom of its price range, it's much more difficult to run a company under those parameters. I would agree with him. Gold's price is much more stable AND reliable. For obvious reasons he can't directly come out and say this is the gameplan, but I would agree that he wants to "quietly" get out of Mexico and into safer mining areas. Jerritt Canyon to this point has been a bad move for FM, but if anyone can turn it around, I would bet on Keith doing it. Higher gold prices will certainly help.
In the last webinar that Keith was on with Dan, someone asked the question to Keith about FM buying/partnering with FMG. His response was somewhat disingenuous to me, his response was one of like he had never thought of doing it and he made mention of having to get with the First Majestic shareholders to get their approval. IMO the FMG properties have been on the table since day 1 for First Majestic. Who knows these assets better than Keith himself. Nobody.
I also believe that any potential suitors for FMG know this too. In fact, Dan told me several years ago that was the case. That if any hostile, lowball offers were made for FMG that FM would have our backs and get involved to bid up the assets.
I personally don't care how they choose to start mining at Duparquet, but what I do want them to do is move as quickly as possible to make it happen. Dan spoke about this right after we acquired and consolidated all of Duparquet. He keeps talking about it without giving us any details on what's going on. What's taking so long? This is information that already should be known by him.
