BARREN LANDS (AFTER READ)BARREN LANDS (AFTER READ)
After reading the book Barren Lands – I can see now my prior comments were some what insightful but after page turning through this book, I am intrigued even more that I can see similar Fipke Indicators from the past reoccurring in our Iciena story today.
A have highlighted a few things from this book that I felt eye catching enough to share… but I strongly recommend that anyone following this story to invest the time to read this well written “at arms length” book from many sources about Chucks character, family & associates, exploration strategies, history, tactics and public patterns that were documented. It speaks volumes and is in my opinion – a good reason why I continue to hold with the current events of late.
One of the first things that caught my eye was a story in his younger years as a young prospector working for Cominco and at this point in his life was in Brazil. To make a long story short, at that time he wanted to stay on in Brazil to look for the Mother Rock or Diamond source but was mocked/laughed upon and told in no certain terms “he lacked the credentials” plus was “not the brightest penny in the barrel”. He was instructed to pack up his things and move on to the next prospecting expedition that was planned. In my opinion – the way the author described this situation left me (the reader) understanding that Chuck harbored deep resentments towards these accusations. In a suggestive manner it painted a picture that a retaliation could occur one day with Chuck returning to Brazil to discredit or prove Cominco wrong with there opinionated comments of him.
The book talks tremendously about how the exploration in North America progressed and how Chuck’s knowledge grew through this process. One of the most important turning points and stepping-stones in Chuck’s life was a tour of a South African Diamond mine run by De Beers. At the processing plant Chuck requested a sample of the discarded blackish gravel that was dispelled after diamonds had been separated. He was granted his request – and at that time didn’t realize the significance of the sample he had just been given…. Later on when Chuck found himself in Brazil he learned about the importance of diamond indicators and saw first hand Brazilian indicators and how they resembled the samples he was given from South Africa. That is when the light went on in his head and what subsequently led him to the idea to establish a heavy mineral research facility. This concept was the birth of CF Mineral Research Ltd in Kelowna and the starting point to learning the secrets to the right formula needed to identify what indicators would lead to the diamondiferous kimberlite pipes.
A most highlighted or commonality throughout the storyline was the importance for secrecy and the constant paranoia of looking over your shoulder for spies as one covered their tracks. You will learn how in the past – the findings slowly leaked out and resulted in Chuck/BHP having to prematurely disseminate NEWS. This created or cast into motion the largest staking rush in Canadian history that saw many potential land claims being lost to competitors racing in as a result. Throughout the many years Chuck had guarded these secrets from everyone around him – friends, family and associates. This resulted in many selling out early as they assumed this secrecy was just leading them down an endless path with no hope in sight. After the fact, many long term investors and supports who sold out returned bitterly angry once they learned Chuck new all along he was close to the origins or in fact discovered diamonds. Nobody new just how far along he actually was in using indicator mineral technology to pin point the true Mother source. I am sure this leak or lack of controls plays on him today, knowing that he lost claims in close proximity that resulted in lost opportunities. I am certain this has only been enhanced today as he tightly guards/controls information and has the luxury of financial TIME.
I take great comfort in the fact we have come a long ways in the last decade and that technology has advanced significantly. I like the thought that we have an old school geologist who shared in pioneering the techniques from the past that have brought us to modern day practices. I also take great comfort in decades of his involvement and passions towards Brazil. This combination in my opinion only strengthens are opportunities of being successful in the Botavi Diamond Project. It appears today we have the lock removed from the garage door and were allowing some much needed sunlight to shine in. I am almost certain that the stock price will never reflect the story line or the tipping of the hat that occurred during the Dia Met days until such time as the honorable doctor opens the secondary locked garage door just inside.
A really great read, a good past time and I highly recommend the read. Armed with this newly learned information and adding all the recent activity with Iciena gives me a better understanding and added confidence. I wonder what a former Dia Met sampler or an investor would say today knowing where Iciena’s price is today (risk vs. reward) and being armed with hindsight from the past….?
Barren Land Regards,
Tommer3