Hey IDC enthusiasts,The following is an interpretation of a...

Hey IDC enthusiasts,

The following is an interpretation of a written summary of a certain conversation allegedly had between SP and a poster on another forum. For the purpose of this thread, I shall call that poster The Ghost Of Porgera or TGOP for short, due to his past ties with Porgera.

TGOP's written summary (over a few posts) followed two phone calls with SP, including a return call earlier today and a conversation initiated (by TGOP) last Thursday.

I use the word interpretation because although I have TGOP's written permission to pass on his summary of the alleged conversation word for word, the other forum's regulations forbid me from directly copying and pasting his every word (from their site) and publishing it elsewhere. Ridiculous I know, but I was told there and then that them's the rules, hence my need to now interpret what was written, for your enjoyment.

---start of interpretation---

1.LAST THURSDAY'S EVENTS

Last Thursday morning TGOP (just out of curiosity according to him) made initial contact with SP. Once TGOP told SP that he worked at Porgera, SP allegedly became quite chatty and was very interested in talking to TGOP further about it and planned to ring him back later that arvo for a chat. SP was about to have a video conference call with someone or some organisation in New York.

SP apparently said 'in his own words' that work is progressing very, very well and that he was considering his finance options and offers and realised that an announcement had not been made yet due to this. TGOP thought maybe that the call to NY was related somehow.

SP allegedly mentioned the above to TGOP willingly i.e. without TGOP asking the question. TGOP at that stage was interested to find out more from SP if/when he phoned back, but noted that SP seemed keen to do so.

TGOP seemed to think that once you've been there and done it, they (management) realise that you must have some knowledge, and that SP seemed genuinely interested, with a very calm and relaxed attitude. i.e. not one of impending problems. TGOP again added that he thought a conference call to NY would be important.

TGOP didn't ask SP who the call was with, but thought that maybe it was to one of the majors to finalise, but added that he didn't know. TGOP told SP of some PNG contacts for construction, and thought that maybe that's what SP wanted details on.

Later that same day TGOP rang SP and spoke to his secretary and he had been in meetings all day (which was good he thought). Apparently she was a nice lady and asked him if he had shares. TGOP replied that he had a few and apparently so does she (good girl :-)). TGOP said no hurry to return the call as SP was at a busy stage which she affirmed.

2.TODAY'S EVENTS

TGOP's summary of today's return call suggested that naturally SP was unable to discuss sensitive issues, but the question was asked if SP could put up a picture or e-mail him a pic of the tunnel, to which we laughed. Apparently he asked about the other forum and TGOP made him aware that there were doubters about the tunnel's existence etc.

SP said that they were excavating the first 75 feet by hand so that the grouted cores supporting wouldn't be damaged by machinery and until they reach solid rock, the start of tunnel is within unstable ground hence the reason for their method. In a month they will have a sandvikk jumbo inside chewing rock, all according to TGOP.

In his summary, TGOP told another poster that SP seemed very confident to him and is currently discussing the details with the majors. TGOP said that if you look at the map info (provided in a past announcement) one can see the tunnel route and opening marked.

TGOP added that the first section is in loose ground, the adit is drilled and grouted in a dome shape for support and this is virtually hand dug (air jackhammers etc. and probably a bobcat to remove) with internal bulkheads fitted for support that must be 5m high and wide to get a jumbo in at 25 metre mark where solid rock begins.

TGOP highlighted how hard the work is but that SP said that it had to be done properly due to the cost and it will be there a long time, therefore no temporary measures would be taken.

TGOP mentioned the adit material which came out of Porgera, which paid for all processing equipment to which SP allegedly replied "you got it". TGOP opined that could mean 600-700 cubic metres, and that the little mill IDC have on site would need steroids.

TGOP also opined that there would be no need for drilling and grouting as a sandvik jumbo can then go in and do its thing. The CEO suggested that from 75 feet in it could be shotcreted as the tunnel is intended to have a long lifespan. The CEO also added the majors are quite happy with the plan. TGOP opined that at that stage they could put in air ducting for ventilation.

A question by another poster asked about the the cost of digging out with a jackhammer and a bobcat at PNG rates, suggesting that it wouldn't chew through too much money? TGOP suggested that workers in PNG are as good as anywhere and they are a paid a fraction of those in Oz. TGOP couldn't say exactly how much but by their own standards a good amount and good camp food would keep the workers on track.

Lastly, TGOP later added (in a later post this evening) that they had pumped a long hole another 100 or so metres so he expects that the geos would be analysing that core.

---end of interpretation---

Enjoy the rest of your evening :-)

Cheers & very best regards,
Elpha

Note: My interpretation of events is mine only and in no way am I offering advice of any kind. Please DYOR.