also to point out I don't think he is on the money when it comes...

also to point out I don't think he is on the money when it comes to acceptable UG grades for block cave mining as Cadia East average grade is around 0.85g/t AuEq which is about 0.68% CuEq which is about half the 1.25% he mentions. I know other UG porphyry deposits which are being mined at lot lower grades.
And at 0.68% CuEq, NEM makes massive profit from the operation. Meaning one can mine at lot lower grades and still make acceptable profit.

I am not trying to defend NMPP but I want to point out it can be mined - it's just a matter if any potential partner sees the project offering acceptable returns. Some mid-tier players will probably be keen on the project.

The giants will probably be looking for higher returns.. unless ALK makes another discovery at high grades and/or Au and Cu prices move lot higher.