RE:RE:RE:Predict the Date? I have been trying to stay on the sidelines, but since you mentioned my name (thanks for saying I am smart!), I will provide the following comments:
1) As I have indicated before, I don't believe that the current spot price of gold is of any real significance. A buyer is going to evaluate based on an estimate of the long term, average future price. However, I do believe that the increased demand for gold, as highlighted in Roger's posts, will be a catalyst for mergers and acquisions of junior miners like LME. The increased demand means more supply has to be created.
2) I believe that a deal will be announced within a few months with a wealthy suitor. I don't think that there is anything else that LME needs to do, such as drilling, other than reach an agreement on price.