Here is some info regarding my visit yesterday:
1. Auger - liner for 2nd ball mill arrived and was being installed and will be operational today or tomorrow.
2. Daily tonage is currently 1 - 1.5 k tons for 1 ball mill ramping up to 3k - 4k tons for both ball mills within days/week or so. It takes time to ramp up and dial in.
3. Con has been produced and was falling into bin. Content is very close to opitmal levels; dialing in "recipe" which changes every day due to ore, grinding, chemicals etc. I handled some and was told texture is very good.
4. "slime" in water has been an issue and is getting better each day. Affecting reclamation of water but they will fix shortly w changes to ore grinding texture, other reagents and other "tweeks" to operations (settling tanks etc).
5. Yeah, they owe bills and are past due on some.....DUH!! They are keening aware of past due bills and will pay when they can (gee, I guess thats why they are seeking ST and LT financing which is ongoing.. imo, it will probably happen with consistent, sustainable production)
6. Working very closely w all regulatory agencies to do whats right and be/stay in compliance... (BTW, I heard a rumor NOT from my visit that NSS is being looked at very seriously by outside agency)
7. Mag is working great and they are shipping many, many thousands of tons out each week via rail. I also heard mag price per ton is up...?? will help us in the future once mag loan / contract is satisfied (probably the trucks that are being seen...)
8. Determined more than ever to make this a successful, profitable project. (they are aware of all the challenges and don't need anyone telling them what they are... they are certainly very, very motivated and vested in project/shareholders success) ...I'm happy but know we still have several hurdles to overcome (I believe they will...)
jtf
