Here is the translation of the interview:17th May 2011Q: Andrew,...

Here is the translation of the interview:


17th May 2011

Q: Andrew, please let out readers know where Proto currently is in the development of the Barnes Hill project. Are you still waiting for the mining license and if so, when do you expect to receive the license.
A: We believe that the granting of the mining license will be officially announced by newspapers in Tasmania within the next two weeks. The Ministry of Mining has informed me that they will send me the license for my signature shortly. Also, we are about two weeks away to submit the development plan for the mine and the plant. The authorities are very pleased with our previous submissions.
Q: License aside � what are the next milestones that Proto wants to reach and when do you think that you can reach them.
A: I am literally on my way to Europe for further talks with equipment suppliers which also would provide a major portion of the project finance. Those equipment suppliers are keen to work with Proto as we are interested in a long term relationship.
Also, by end of May Proto will have a complete technical report regarding our processing technology and it seems that this technology can also be used for Iron, copper, gold and uranium projects such as BHP Olympic Dam, which means that there is huge potential for this technology outside Nickellaterit.
Plus there are the exploration projects in NT and WA where we will increase the activities very soon. Every one of those projects has the possibility to become a world class mineral project. And finally we are looking into possible Nickel acquisitions to allow the company to grow.
Q: We heard that you have been on a road show in the past weeks and days. How did that go?
A: We started with some roadshows and want to do some more. We want to reach new investors in Northern America, Hong Kong and Singapore, plus we received invitations from investors in China and UK to give them presentations.
Q: Can you give us an up-date on where Proto is in the development of the new Nickel processing technology?
A: We plan to complete the first test run of the pilot plant by end June and the second test run which will investigate the Barnes-Hill-ore should be finished in July.
Q: Would you say that it is now the right time to invest in Proto?
A: Closer to the 30 June, there is always selling in the Australian Market due to tax reasons. This presents great opportunities like for example in Proto. I spoke to one fund manager recently who said that he increased the cash in his fund so that he can profit from the pre 30 June sales. Those pre 30 June sales can create opportunities which are not present the rest of the year.