Grades that were uneconomic when the dump was built are economic now, and the material is already crushed. On paper it is the cheapest ounce in the industry.
The part that is not on paper
Reprocessing mobilises whatever else is in the pile. Where the original operator has gone, the reprocessor inherits a liability priced as if it were feedstock.
What should be required
A closure plan and a bonded residue destination agreed before the first tonne is moved, not negotiated after the recoverable metal is gone.
