unit costs are what I have been talking about - note specific...

unit costs are what I have been talking about - note specific costs per pound in my posts.

TMR has stated only a couple of months ago that the objective was to get costs down below (don't have the exact quote handy) about $1.60. I'm sure someone will provide the exact number. It was the absence of references to this objective that has me concerned.

I own EQN (180t copper per annum, 37 year mine life) but they are not robinson crusoe as far as unit costs go. First Quantum (17% shareholder of EQN) own or part own several, low cost projects in the Zambian copper belt. I think the impact of taxes has been overplayed although it raises the possibility that taxes can be upped later on. As for Congo, China is going there so reckon they will develop some low cost stuff. China can probably provide arms to the government as well to make things sweet.

Escondida used to have costs of around 60 cents per pound. Not sure what they are these days.