All 4 claims have Nb ore on them.
That's why 'smart' mining management quarantines deposits by scooping all the possible claims around a deposit that may have the same ore..
It Mining 101.
Scott knew that, Dan obviously did not.
No real financier bank or mining company would go ahead with a mine financing without 'quarantining ' the deposit. Someone will have to purchase these claims from the prospectors for a 'pretty cost'.
All Dan had to do was move assessment reserves from the patents to the surrounding claims; takes 5 minutes, no cost.
Can't blame the prospectors for doing their research and picking up great ground when Dan was snoozing, while doing his amazing IGEX deal!.......
With all due respect to Moojer for stealing his phrase, "I can't make this stuff up!"