Hey Reid,
In regards to a revised BFS your right that it would help CUU achieve a higher value but it is not out of our hands in my opinion as you would say. Teck is the Operator so they do have the final decision to the ultimate outcomes surrounding SC.
To answer your question, it is not hard to understand Teck helping CUU. You are looking at this the wrong way. Rather you thinking of Teck helping CUU, try viewing it as Teck helping themselves and looking good to their shareholders which is to improve the value of their properties. Schaft Creek is now their asset so by Teck improving the value of the deposit, the shareholders of Teck are rewarded.
Teck has a partnership with Copper Fox, so with that being said they are a team making each other look good. Teck is a major mining company that is very professional and profitable business organization. By advancing and improving Schaft Creek deposit they are greatly benefiting themselves since they own 75% of the mineral asset.
So, you ask why would Teck help CUU achieve a higher value? Because they benefit from the added value that comes from an improved economic deposit through exploration and development initiatives (EA, revised BFS, etc). Also note they are a team, so I am sure Teck has no objection to helping CUU become more valuable. Who said Teck was the buyer in the first place? Copper Fox may sell to the highest bidder or a major mining company that is not Teck.
Copper Fox Metals for the record does have a say in the operations and developments regarding the Schaft Creek project but Teck has the Final decision within the developmental process of SC. Proof of this is below from posts by Illtea and Radagast:
1) Now that the 2013 drilling results are in, are there any plans to update the RE or BFS? (To update these studies would be the work undertake by the Joint Venture. Teck as the operator would be responsible for this work.)
8) Do you have any idea on when the EA will be submitted or what is its status at this time? Is this now solely in TECK's hands and we have no say over it? (as a JV partner we have a say in what happens at Schaft Creek.
9) Are there any current plans to actively market our share of the JV and attract new investors and improve the share price in the process? (This option is available to Copper Fox. The questions is one of timing, if the JV updates the RE or the FS, this could have a significant impact on the value of Copper Fox’s 25% interest in Schaft Creek. Because Copper Fox now have a first right of offer and not first right of refusal, it can place a value on Schaft Creek and offer that to Teck. If Teck declines, then Copper Fox can approach other parties to sell its interest in Schaft Creek)
Radagast
Would you expect Teck to hit this area in 2014 and do you anticipate an early start and aggressive drilling campaign in 2014? (it would be the logical next step. What is to be completed in 2014 at Schaft Creek needs to be proposed, discussed and agreed to at the next meeting of the management committee)
Finally, are we actively pursuing a sale of Schaft Creek at this time or would it not be in our best interest to ride out the downturn, wait for 2014 drilling results and hope to add considerable value before selling?( all scenarios are valid, the more drilling should add value, waiting out the down turn would also help, will do some what if’s cases incorporating the 2013 data to see what changes occurred since 2012 study)
Based on the above information Copper Fox has a say in Schaft Creek initiatives, and a revised BFS is possible based on the comments by Elmer. Remember, timing is very important aswell. Great reports from the two posters that made the effort to contact Elmer.
