Talk on HC about when drilling will start on the Isabel lease...

Talk on HC about when drilling will start on the Isabel lease and when drilling results will be expected has been quiet of late.

Indeed, the threads lately have overall seemed muted since the announcement of SMM's appeal. This is to be expected of course as the legal challenge is the singular point that the market recognises as the main threat to the viability of Axiom's success in the Solomons. As long as that doubt remains the stock price will be suppressed.

However, good drill results from Isabel that expand the known reserves and increase the grade of the contained nickel may act as a catalyst for a generous price jump once SMM's challenge is thrown out (as expected).

So, when can we expect results and has the drilling even started there yet?

From discussions and from looking at past behaviour in terms of news releases I would say that drilling is yet to commence on Isabel. Site preparations and the logistics of moving a drill rig in along with unsophisticated amenities on Isabel would likely be reasons for a delay in drill start up. IMO though we should be close now.

In terms of results, it may be prudent to say that the approach of the wet season there will affect how much work can be done, so only limited results are to be expected in the short term. It is also worth noting that West Guadalcanal results are in the labs at present and we will have to wait for their analysis first before any Isabel results can be released.

Also from looking at past announcements it seems that AVQ send the drill sample to Honiara to begin with. There they go through sample preparation processes such as drying, weighing, splitting, crushing and pulverizing and perhaps even fire assay. After that they are sent to Queensland for further sophisticated analysis using spectrometry equipment that determines concentrations of elements found therein. This is all done under standard rules that will meet future JORC compliance.

While all this waiting is going on the management of AVQ may also be in discussions with future customers, considering possible joint ventures or offtake agreements etc.

So when can we expect Isabel results?
I have a sneaking suspicion that any results available from Isabel will be released after December 1st.
DYOR and you might suspect the same thing.

Cheers.