The main part of BGS' transport cost that was cut was the handling part from truck to train and associated storage as previously mentioned by john_utah in an earlier reply to you. There are currently bitumen roads in good condition for BGS, it should be a matter of loading the truck, and driving to port, crossing 1 border that I believe isn't of any issue due to free trade agreements between countries in West Africa. It is a ready option and can be driven today.
All AVZ transport options to be explored in comparison include the obvious much longer distance, but more importantly in my eyes they all currently require multiple transport mode changes of truck/rail/water crossings (which significantly adds to cost, time, and reliability until these can be eradicated). Also border crossings are potentially an issue (I don't see this as a major issue but something that should be noted, as this will likely be a non issue for 99%+ of the time, but it may generate the odd issue which could temporarily disrupt the logistics chain). Even if we assume that the planned road will be completed and maintained to a suitable standard all year round, there is no guarantee that the time frame given by management recently will actually be met, it is not exactly in there control when it is completed. Looking at the options being explored, this new road may not even be utilised, that is a little odd. Perhaps these resources could be better used elsewhere to help the company in the future?
Interesting that you have put a $ figure on the tin/t of 6% concentrate produced , this is something I have been wondering. For all the talk of tin credits helping out, $100/t Sn metal worth per t of 6% spodumene concentrate doesn't sound like that much, especially with the current logistical situation and allowing for efficiency losses to process it. At this very early stage before mets have been done I don't feel you can have any certainty that they will be that beneficial, especially considering 60% ownership and how it would likely be funded. The Sn processing is added capex, opex, infrastructure, technical expertise and added risks that may not be worth pursuing during the first few years of production. The fact that the tin is being talked about as such a positive when there is so much still yet to prove isn't worth the effort and serves no reasonable purpose at this stage in my view, until some much firmer numbers can be used.
