Because Pip asked, The same old 2010 story. Short version Because Pip asked so nice.
Short version, okay Pip. I am tired.
When Ucore bought into the Bokan claim they know that they needed separation tech. They figured that SX was out of question because of Capex and Alaska would not go for it. Did not want the problems that the Chinese had. Three sep tech later it looks like there are going to make it. As Pip, loves to point out two failed techs later. So yes, Ucore lost a lot of time, effort and money to get to this point.
But the goal has remaind the same find a separation tech that is better, faster, and cheaper than SX. Build the separation plant first, make money from it, then develop the Bokan mine. Ucore has never been just a Jr. miner. It is a separation tech company that just happen to also own a REE mine.
The other guys are getting by but they are still using SX tech. For my book and not doing well at.
RSX is better and cheaper. Best yet, sellable in the form of licenses.
So yes, Pip same old story. The goal has always remained the same.
Pip, spell check and me have been at war as long as I have been typing on a keyboard. The one program I need is a program that tells me, "hey bubby, you left a word out here in this sentance"
Good Night,
Dragon