spagsI doubt that it cost $10,000 per metre for Lihir to build...

spags

I doubt that it cost $10,000 per metre for Lihir to build their declines, more like $5,000 per metre, which is a typical cost per metre

maybe the declines don't need to be extended, small access tunnels are more likely at Ballarat for about $2,000 per metre (much less roof support required for small span tunnels)

I would suggest access tunnels about 2.4 by 2.4 metres maximum which are about 1/4 the cost of decline tunnels which are probably more than 5 by 5 metres

and it looks like only about a few hundred metres of drive to get into the latest mineralisations

Gill has done a great job at Ballarat so far and from memory he's on an bonus incentive plan if share price gets to 10c

btw, looked at BCD years ago and reckoned it was going nowhere and it would require superman to rescue it