RE: 4 year low on the ventureYou make a good point, HH when you referred to the quick action of NAG management possibly saving the company from a meltdown. This credit market is deteriorating quickly and many start-up mining companies cannot get the financing they need. the Sask. mining department threw a wrench into things with the permit delays and NAG needs cash flow. Jumping into a coal mine almost in production with tested quality coal will certainly give NAG the cash flow and the chance it needs to develop Sask. discoveries without trying to finance in more conventional ways. I would not be surprised to learn that the property was for sale because the financing had become impossible for Appalachian Coal Corp., rather than as some imply that the property is worthless. I believe the world class advisors on NAG's team are invaluable in choosing the best properties for the best price.
It would be a safe assumption that of the many coal mining contractors in business in West Virginia, one could be found to do the work at a competitive price without NAG having to buy its own equipment.