It is obvious that Mr. Gordon, on the basis of the risks...

It is obvious that Mr. Gordon, on the basis of the risks inherent to the project and which - this is the fundamental question - we may not know in full, was not willing to pass up a sure thing for a more promising possibility. As the old adage says: a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.


The question is: what can those risks be?

a) Gold and copper prices about to collapse?

b) A insidious form of an Indonesian super profits tax on its way?

c) A non granting of a license for an open pit mine?

d) Local opposition based on fear of an second Ok Tedi environmental disaster?

Without belonging to Mr. Gordon's inner circle or to his group of associates, we will be only able to speculate.