The reason why I suggest this potential delay is due to the inclusion of a plan for a "field program".
"Field program" is such a vague term because it may, or may not, include drilling. We've been told no exploration drilling, but there may be some geotechnical drilling.
It seems clear to me that Teck is redefining the pit prior to applying for the EA. Even if they weren't they would need to do final construction and operation level drawings.
So we're trudging along a proven path, but it means the EA won't be submitted, maybe through the summer? That's one of the reasons I was thinking the Fall would be a buyout possibility because I think, perhaps naively, that we won't get an offer until Teck is forced into that position by our possibly finding another buyer. I doubt that will happen until Teck reveals its hand and that could happen with the EA application.
This is what the FS calls for at this stage, amongst other things, that might be considered part of a field program:
Additional geotechnical review and stability evaluations are recommended for the early pit phases and for the dozer access development during the detailed design phase. A supplementary site investigation program is also recommended for the detailed engineering design phase to define the nature and extent of the talus material along the upper west facing slope of Mount LaCasse and to confirm the rock mass and hydrogeological characteristics of the underlying bedrock materials. Additional slope stability analyses and the development of mitigation and operational monitoring plans for the early mine stages are also recommended.
