Modified scenariosI am puzzling over what these modified scenarios might be. JR has publicly stated that if one were approaching this project as a blank slate, you would design a 60,000 tonne/day operation. As it isn't a blank slate, the "unmodified " scenario is 35,000 t/d.
In my experience, these "modified" scenarios are motivated by a desire to reduce capex, not increase it. So I think it's safe to say that these modified scenarios aren't looking at more than 35,000 t/d. By the process of elimination, that would leave lesser rates, usually focused on higher grades earlier. So maybe going after the Catch-22 Zone exclusively at a rate of 10,000 t/d?
The only other modified scenario that springs to mind is the perennial debate over hiring a mining contractor vs an in-house operation. But that is a pretty basic trade-off, likely looked at long ago. I can't imagine that as a reason for delay. Maybe there's consideration being given to alternate streaming/ royalty deals. I guess we mere mortals will simply have to wait and see what the heavens are about to deliver.
It's really unfortunate we no longer have dopeyadvisor to give us the chapter and verse word from on high.