RE:RE:ProductionCarbide, I highlighted parts of your original posts, illustrating that you contradict yourself, suggesting that you really are full of SH*T. I am a long-term holder whose current 300% gain could easily double, triple or quadruple by the time all three projects hit full stride.
carbide wrote: Kipushi - miniumum 2 years
Kamoa - minimum 3 years
Platreef - minimum 4 years
All already pushed back 5 years from original projections at IPO 6 years ago. Never believe time frames in mining. Never believe budgets. It will always take longer and cost a lot more.
If you're new to mining, consider yourself lucky. My advice would be, run for the hills. Invest in blue chip stocks in superior industries which can compound wealth. Mining is not for buy and hold investing. It is for fast gains and fast losses, but mostly it is a loser's game.
If you're determined to stay, do a lot of research, like comparative analysis of companies and projects, by reading financials and technical reports. It's a tough business, and most projects don't make it, despite rosy projections. If you want to not lose money, listen to the sceptics. Listen to smart people on the buy side. They risk their money like you, and aren't biased by their income stream and golden parachute.
That said, these projects are high grade, and are likely to be built. The only thing which will stop them is political upheaval, of which there has been plenty. This is an experienced team, and can manage it. The projects are attracting big money. Just remember, this is Africa, so there is a lot of risk.
Most stocks in this business will kill you, and any can if you hold them too long or buy them at the wrong time. Do your homework, find the best ones, and don't overpay. Early stage speculation requires a more developed sense of geology and mining engineering, and without that, it is just gambling. So this is not recommended for the novice. For companies with more mature projects, find the good ones and buy them when they're down but not out. With good projects, cash and no debt. Check management track record.
Mining exploration is one of the riskiest businesses in the world. Don't be in a hurry to invest, but watch, learn, and wait. Don't underestimate uncertainty: always make conservative estimates to compensate for the risk. Be patient, diversify and be careful. Remember, it's a long game.
Good luck.