predictions..., page-4

Atmospheric leaching will take place in large agitation vats and is more efficient than Heap Leach. It requires less acid (which is a growing cost for mining)as it is recyclable in Atmospheric Leaching.
Extraction from AM is in hours rather than weeks for HL
Atmospheric is the go but until the deal with BHP, Heron did not have access to the technology. BHP is working closey with Heron on the technology and Jump Up Dam. BHP have agreed to give the technology to Heron in return for 50% of all nickel produced and an option on the second 50%. It is likely that JUD will end up as a BHP joint venture i think. Also further drilling around the JUM area is finding more nickel resource so it could end up being bigger and therefore attracting more interest from BHP who will be very keen to secure as much ore or control in the region as possible.
BHP are uncomfortable that Vale(CVRD) have such a large operation as the KNP in process. It is BHP's backyard after all. The KNP will be the biggest nickel operation in Australia (or very close to)
Comments from the MD of Heron suggest that the progress by Vale is very positive on the KNP and drilling samples are looking good. The Vale team on the ground is working hard and progressing well toward the Feasibility Study go ahead.
Selling volume has now eased and the long term outlook supports my holding.
Rockford