"...would that be a material event that has to be reported?"
No.
"...or does a actual deal need to be signed for LBSR to put out a NR?"
Deal making discussions are confidential for a number of reasons, so you will not hear about such. You may hear a generality, such as travel for discussions - easy to say anytime -, but actual deal making discussion you will not hear about until concluded with a formal deal, or a letter of intent.
"Think JB needs to put out some form of info to keep share holders confident in ongoing talks with Dubai and China."
The goal of a public company is also the over riding job description of the CEO/COB, to build shareholder value. However, that does not mean he has to be concerned with hand holding. I think that "some form of info" just "to keep shareholders confident" is hand holding. The focus should be on BUILDING value, not pushing or supporting daily action in the stock price.
You know, this has been the complaint about exploration-phase mining companies as far back as my first exposure in the late 70's - lack of information. It's just inherent to the industry, and bashers always play on that. Be suspicious of those companies that behave otherwise, especially during obvious periods of inactivity. At least this is what my experience tells me.
Hope this helps.
VP in AZ
P.S. I'll be out of town for a couple of days and without computer access starting late in the morning. Please try to fill my stink bid. If not, push this baby higher, will ya'?
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