From what I understand these kinds of copper deposits can possibly go down close to a mile. That's why sometimes open pit mines get converted to shafts when they get too far down to mine that way. In terms of the second question, it's an accounting question and there are too many variables for me to take a stab at this. For example, if they can access and share the existing processing plant their capital outlays would be limited.
Your 3rd question is for the CEO. Many junior caps joint venture with the big boys due to high exploration costs. Joint ventures are a blessing/curse. Blessing = meeting capital needs. Curse = being tied to one major who can hold up or screw up the exploration and financing due to their own internal squabbles and bureaucracy. My guess is that they will internally finance additional drilling without substantial dilution due to the awesome location so they will avoid this route.
Then they will find Eldorado and have their choice of dance partners.
Market Data 
Markets 
AI
