ann acquires plutonic mine form barrick, page-15

This is a great step for an up and comer like NST to secure their long time future while adding hopefully what could be potentially $25-$35 million pa in their coffers. Looks all positive

However I do have a couple of questions/points

1) Barrick is the largest gold producer in the world and last time I heard their operating all in cost in Australasia was $759-$850 an ounce. If they couldn't see the mine being profitable long term why does NST? Barrick apparently needs all the debt they can get to pay for their mother ship in Chile.

2) Similar question but with exploration and capital expenditure. Barrick was making insane margins two years ago on Plutonic so why wasn't there any apparent need to capital investment and further exploration? Especially when at the time all 'the charts' were pointing to $2,000 an ounce by years end.

3) Statement: Barrick isn't some chump that's on the decline. Their economies of scale and over all operating costs are the best in the world. Their Pasca Lama mine is going to the give them literally free gold (once silver is offset) for 30+ years (look it up if you dont believe me). They are just getting their house in order to get it online after so many hurdles (its not easy mining near a glacier on a mountain).

4) What is the difference between a relative new comer like NST and the quarter back of Barrick? Why couldn't Barrick with all their resources and expertise make it work?

5) What happens WHEN the US economy continues to improve and the AUS $$ stops offsetting the POG and it dips below $1,000?? All speculation buts its a possibility.

Anyway for some reason though I am still celebrating despite all this. If anything even if no improvements can be made and they can skim an extra $25-$35 million pa from Plutonic worst case scenario that is a plus.

Good work NST