KAT Exploration Inc (KATX)

[geo_newfie]

Good points. Things to consider is that every State has their own regulations or they follow the Fed EPA rules. California has some of the toughest regulations in the US. Alaska has tough laws due to the sensitive nature of the environment, same goes for working in the Canadian territories.

All projects will require environmental impact reports (EIR) once they get to the production phase. During drilling you are required to get the necessary permits, but do not need to file an EIR (unless NL has different rules). Many States and Provinces are know as "mining friendly", such that it is easier to get the necessary permits, etc to explore and mine.

So it is not the environmental groups per se, but the different government entities that are the first hurdle. If, for some reason, the potential area is near a national forest, etc, then there would be more of a public response. In any case, most EIRs have to go through a public review for 30 days before approval.

And as you correctly point out, this takes years. The average time from epxloration to mining is around 10 years... it takes time to explore, drill, drill some more, reports, pre-FS, FS, then permits.... it is a long haul!