I fundamentally disagree. Regardless of the severity of the situation (which the company has already confirmed in their email - it pertains only to DSO, which has no material impact given their full funding), it takes time to communicate with government entities. Assuming this is in relation to negotiating DSO, I believe the company is being responsible by seeing this negotiation through to completion before reopening, ensuring the market has all the relevant facts.
Consider the time it takes for you to get in contact with your state government for small, trivial matters. Now, imagine how much more complex the situation would be for a company with a market cap of over 1 billion and involved in a joint venture with another party, all while having to communicate with a foreign government. It's reasonable to conclude that such circumstances would require additional time and effort.
In this context, extending the trading halt is necessary due to the following factors:
- Complexity of Operations: Running a large-scale operation involving a joint venture partner (Ganfeng) and dealing with a foreign government introduces a high level of complexity. Coordinating with multiple parties and navigating through different regulatory frameworks demands careful and time-consuming communication.
- Government Communication: Engaging with government entities, especially foreign governments, can be a slow process. Obtaining the necessary approvals, addressing concerns, and ensuring compliance with various regulations are tasks that cannot be rushed, as they are critical to the company's long-term success.
- Ensuring Full Disclosure: LLL is committed to providing accurate and comprehensive information to the market. By extending the trading halt, they are demonstrating their dedication to completing the negotiations with Mali's government before resuming trading. This approach ensures that investors have all the relevant facts when the market reopens.
- Mitigating Potential Risks: In a complex operation with significant financial stakes, hasty decisions could lead to unintended consequences. By taking the time to communicate effectively and secure necessary approvals, LL is aiming tominimize potential risks and safeguard the interests of all stakeholders involved.
- Demonstrating Responsibility: Acting responsibly and with due diligence is essential when operating on a large scale and in a joint venture arrangement. By showing a commitment to seeing the negotiation through to completion, LLL is demonstrating its responsibility as a market participant.
All in all, extending the trading halt allows LLL to address the challenges associated with running a complex operation, dealing with a foreign government (Mali), and managing a joint venture partnership (Ganfeng). While it may seem like a delay, it is a prudent decision that ensures the company is well-prepared to resume trading with complete and accurate information, safeguarding the interests of shareholders and stakeholders alike.
(20min delay)