Ice Road Open = Cash Really Needed They are in the unusual position of not being able to buy materials, probably fuel oil being the overwhelming item, throughout the year. That is because they can only take delivery during the few weeks that the ice road is open. Right now, for example, they need a bundle of cash to pay for all that oil they are receiving - oil that will have to last for roughly ten months.
Probably after energy their next biggest cash need is for payroll. that at least is only required on a monthly basis, but nevertheless it contributes steadily to the cash burn.
But when the ice road closes, I'm guessing in March sometime, they are going to need a bundle of cash to pay for all those year-long supplies that were just trucked in. Their creditors won't care a hoot how much diamond inventory they have, they'll demand cash.
Not to mention the debt holders.