After looking up the GRES website and it's contained project list I have a few questions.
Why isn't the Kipoi Copper Project listed under projects on GRES' main website list? In fact it mentions zero African project experience.
There is however a page available using the search function within GRES' domain that is blank on details if you search for the term "Kipoi".
HERE IS THE BIG QUESTION:
WHY was the GRES Kipoi website page added on July 12th, the same day as the ANZ contract announcement?
The rest of GRES' projects are full of detail on their site. The only other internet results linking GRES and Kipoi are from information sourced from AVZ.
This lead me to...
Who is NewPro Consulting and Engineering Services which appears to be undertaking the GRES claimed work for Tiger resources on the Kipoi project?
The two companies seem to be claiming the same Kipoi optimization job. However importantly Tiger Resources itself only names NewPro as the contractor. Was GRES never publicly mentioned as a contractor then replaced by NewPro for Tiger's Kipoi project? I'm trying to give GRES the benefit of the doubt.
The man running NewPro is the former GM EPCM for GRES
Note on the NewPro website it has previously been engaged by GRES to provide services on the Hot Maden project 2018. So why doesn't the NewPro page mention any GRES connection to Kipoi?
The Kipoi contract seems to have been awarded after Paul Newling left GRES to form NewPro
GRES does employ Andrew Strickland as a Senior Study Manager who formerly worked at Tiger Resources in 2015. So they do have an employee with DRC experience.
But will GRES be outsourcing the AVZ work to NewPro?
Is it just a simple case that GRES is a more reputable name for a DFS?
Clearly these are all interrelated parties and close personal connections, but why the lack of transparency about GRES' experience in Africa and more specifically Congo. Was the Kipoi project hastily added to the GRES site timed with the AVZ release to present DRC experience and credibility?
In my opinion the DRC is a unique beast and requires great local expertise to properly evaluate costs and procurement for a bankable DFS.
Im not trying to smear any reputations here, my questions founded in a reasonable interpretation of fact follow in the wake of the number of AVZ recent named and unnamed contractors and subsequent fallout
https://www.miningreview.com/magazine-article/tiger-resources-kipoi-turnaround-strategy/
https://newproc.com/
https://www.gres.com.au/projects/default.aspx
https://www.gres.com.au/projects/details/kipoi-copper-project-expansion-studies.aspx
The statements contained in this post are opinions regarding areas of operations that may benefit from further clarification. It is in the legitimate interest of AVZ members and potential investors that the Manono project DFS be completed to the highest standards in a reputable manner. I have tried to provide supporting documents to substantiate the basis for my concerns. I have made every possible attempt to remain within the HC TOU with this post.
AIMHO
DYOR
