Lex-
This is my understanding and why your questions don't overly concern me.
ASSUMING the cost structure, reported many times, has not changed, CPRK can process 1 lb of copper for .90. Given that, we have a significant advantage over all the major players due to their size and expense. We would not need to stop mining when the price of copper drops if we can still make a profit at those low prices. When other mines sit idle, CPRK is full steam ahead. Plus, with the higher than expected gold, this just helps cover our costs further. If copper can end up being 100% profit, we'll always be ahead of the competition, just not in volume.
I don't think Kennecott/RIO or any other major player would help out CPRK unless they were earning a profitable payment from extending a hand. This positive relationship might give Kennecott an upper hand in a later purchase down the road. Who knows...
If the supply of copper ever stockpiles enough to drive the price of copper below a 1.00, this investment would be the last of our concerns. The expansion of the world's infrastructure would be in such a hurt locker, we all would be affected personally and monetarily, not just with our investment here.
Peace - VVV