catalysts, page-6

it's a thinking mans stock, matt. most longs here seem to have taken a considered position, as opposed to the usual "buy and hope" mentality that inhabits greenfield explorers, oilers or tech companies.

the wild cards are mostly regional characteristics,
eg unorthodox characters and unfamiliar business practices.

the same project in australia would be less riskier in a sense, but also less profitable and certainly less colourful in the calibre of managers and major investors it would attract.

if you're unfamiliar with what is going on in saudi right now, mining is being pushed hard as the 3rd pillar of the economy. every other day, multi billion dollar financing deals are getting approved for mining projects/infrastructure.

the specific delays to this project getting approved are purely balance sheet arrangements, the new board of Alara are making sure that they do not enter into a deal that is unsustainable.

if you have a modestly forgiving temperament (a prerequisite for doing business in asia, the subcontinent or the middle east) then i think you stand a good chance of being very well rewarded here.

but it is not a great vehicle for the transient investor, nor for someone who is intolerant of "exotic" circumstances.

lastly, i should point out that an appreciation of french champagne and kate perry are virtually a must if you are going to survive our thread.

hoping to see more of you around, the more the merrier