25 nov last reported depth: 2320m, page-18

I have no idea but obviously they are having pretty serious drilling problems.

They have bumped up the top of the Stokes so that would suggest they are out of the "silicified sandstone."

The only way I can think of that it could be a good sign is if it means they are having circulation problems, possibly combined with bit damage, which could be a sign of extensive fracturing. But this is supposed to be the sealing unit for the Stairway so maybe fractures aren't such a good sign there anyway - can't seal if it's fractured.

I shudder to think how much extra money the drilling problems in this entire campaign have cost CTP. It must be well into the millions.