The Map Magazine

Only twenty minutes from the airport, the Sir Stamford Circular Quay hotel may be small, but the quality will both delight and astound. The classic luxury of the general areas is reminiscent of a private club atmosphere, and the each of the 105 guest rooms or suites provides guests with a refined retreat from hectic sight-seeing rounds or business meetings. Accommodations choices ranging from the Superior City Room to the Executive Harbor Suite blend with friendly, courteous service and a wide variety of amenities - air conditioned rooms, private restrooms, laundry facilities, in-house restaurants and bars, as well as a business center and conference facilities - to provide the ultimate in old-world sophistication and modern convenience.

With the Sir Stamford only a few minutes walk from several outstanding Sydney city center attractions, guests can easily and quickly enjoy such places of interest as the Royal Botanic Gardens. Located on 30 hectares (almost 90 acres) of both native and imported flora, the Gardens provide the perfect destination for a relaxing lunchtime walk between meetings or a full day’s family outing. Other close sights include the famed Sydney Opera House and a large assortment of shops along the Harbor, itself.

Sydney Harbor also has numerous outdoor activities for more adventurous visitors: sailing, scenic flights, jet-boating, and even climbing the Harbor bridge. Panoramic views of the Harbor can be had from the Stamford Plaza Double Bay hotel - not the most expensive hotel in town, but definitely a luxury, five-star experience. Located just ten minutes from the Sydney’s Central Business District, the Plaza Double Bay offers business guests a business center, conference facilities, and even secretarial services, but don’t let that fool you. Each room has it’s own mini-bar, Juliet balcony or terrace, refrigerator, and even data port connections to help guarantee both convenience and satisfaction, and the overall experience is only heightened with the luxurious appointments including 18th century Louis XV and Georgian antiques in common areas.

The Double Bay location of the Plaza is one of Sydney’s most prestigious districts, presenting guests with a wide assortment of boutiques and shops featuring some of the world’s most famous name brand lines of goods and clothing. Dining is a dream, since the hotel boasts it’s own sophisticated dining room, and did we mention yet that the Stamford Plaza has one of Australia’s largest private fine art collections? Should guests choose to dine out, a large variety of high quality dining establishments are located right within the Double Bay area, ranging from highbrow pubs to full-fledged five-star restaurants.

Finally, for the convenience of an apartment combined with the luxury of a five-star hotel, consider the Quay Grand Suites Sydney located right on the eastern shore of the Circular Quay. As the name states, no “rooms,” only self-contained suites that include one or two bedrooms, a living room, a smartly designed bathroom with spa, laundry, and a fully-equipped gourmet kitchen. Balconies providing magnificent views of Sydney Harbor invite guests to stay in for a quiet night of watching the Harbor activities from the comfort of their suite, or they might choose to dine out at Jordon’s, Sydney’s premier seafood restaurant, easily accessible by both ferry and monorail. For a fun lunch, the Hyde Park Barracks Cafe and Edna’s Table both provide a unique Australian dining experience, sure to please even the most jaded traveler.

So for your trip to Sydney, go in style! The city offers some of the most luxurious and sumptuous accommodations in the world, located in just about every district you might need or want to visit - from the Central Business District to Harbor views to the historic City Center - and a wealth of activities to enjoy in each of them, as well.

About Author:
Robert Hall is a frequent traveler and a writer of many travel articles. He now writes for several travel websites including Sydney hotel reservation website www.hotelssydney.com
Robert also leaves and works in Sydney. You can republish this article, as long as you provide a reference to above website.

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My grandmother, a feisty and athletic woman in her younger years, was a gum-chewer. She was never without a pack or two of Wrigley’s Doublemint gum.

She wasn’t a snapper or bubble-blower–she viewed that as highly uncivilized. Grandma kept her mouth closed, thank you very much, and her chewing silent.

She insisted that it helped her concentrate. It turns out that she was right.

Research has shown that chewing does indeed increase our ability to concentrate and to retain what we’ve learned. In fact, studies indicate that, for both kids and adults, mental tasks are completed up to 20% more effectively when we chew gum.

Here’s why: When we chew–whether it’s food, gum or just air–we respond by salivating, which releases a surge of insulin. Our body gets ready for a meal. The insulin leads to an increased heart rate and sends glucose and oxygen to our brain.

The result? This blast of brain food helps us learn faster and retain this information longer.

If that’s all it takes to boost learning, I’m all for it! In fact, I’d like to suggest that we chew gum as a mindfulness exercise.

Really. Perhaps instead of “Om” we should be chanting “Grom-grom-grom”.

Why not? We already know that mindfulness can be very effectively practiced during repetitive physical activity. It’s hard to find a more repetitive and less demanding activity than chewing gum!

Try this: Sit comfortably in any position that allows you to breathe with a relaxed belly. Pop some gum into your mouth and begin chewing.

Pay attention to the burst of flavor and accompanying saliva. Feel the texture of the gum as it softens and stretches. Focus on chewing the gum on only one side of your mouth ten times, then switch to the other side. Continue as you slowly chew, allowing yourself to count to ten before switching sides again. Keep this up for about two minutes while concentrating on the chewing motion.

Simple? Sure. Mindfulness IS simple. And it can become pretty easy to focus for short periods, especially if we have a particular physical activity as the center of our attention. Many people find this a much easier and more effective way to experience mindfulness than simply sitting and watching thoughts.

There’s no need to make mindfulness difficult, uncomfortable or woo-woo. If chewing gum is good for your brain, take advantage of it as an easy way to practice mindfulness.

On a bus? At your desk? Take a two-minute break to chew gum. Nobody needs to know what you’re doing. It will be your minty little secret.

Salvation? Okay, maybe not. Here’s to salivation!

Maya Talisman Frost is a mind masseuse offering specialized mindfulness training in Portland, Oregon. Her work has inspired thinkers in over 100 countries. To subscribe to her free weekly ezine, the Friday Mind Massage, visit http://www.mindmasseuse.com

maya@mindmasseuse.com

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Garden bulbs are a great way to get color in your garden year after year without having to replant. But many people are intimidated by planting and caring for bulbs, and never get to experience these great flowering plants. These easy tips for planting garden bulbs will show you there is nothing to fear and have you planting your first bulb garden in no time!

Most bulb plants are actually rather hardy and planting them is quite easy. All it takes is a bit of planning and being able to follow the directions on the bulb package. As is the way of nature, your bulbs will really put in an effort to bloom so you really have to screw up to get them to fail.

The most important thing to do to ensure good blooming plants is to read the package. On there you will find the depth that the bulb needs to be planted. This is important because each type of flower likes to be put in at a different depth. As a general rule of thumb, the bigger the bulb the deeper the hole. Usually you will find the directions telling you to plant 3 times as deep as the bulb or 4 times as deep. Each bulb is different so follow the directions for best results.

Another important thing is not to skimp when digging the hole. Be prepared to dig out anywhere from 5 to 10″. It helps to have a good digging tool and to pick a spot where the soil is loose and not full of roots. Loosen up some of the oil around the bulb and plant it with the pointy part up. Of course, it’s not obvious in all bulbs which part is the pointy part but don’t panic if you can’t tell. Just do your best and nature will take over and usually get the flower growing in the right direction.

If you buy bulbs ahead of time, store them in a cool dry place and keep them in the package until you are actually digging the hole for them. This way you will be able to tell which bulbs you are planting. If you take them out, you might get confused as to which is the tulip and which is the daffodil as many bulbs can look amazingly similar.

Most bulbs like to be planted in full sun and always in soil with good drainage. It’s a good idea to decide on where you will be planting the bulbs before you buy them so you know how many to get. You don’t want them to be overcrowded at fist as they will multiply over time. Be sure to read the package to determine how far apart they should be planted and the optimum conditions for the type of flower you are planting.

Preparing the soil is another important step in planting bulbs. You want to loosen the soil in the bulb hole and mix in some compost or organic matter. Don’t put fertilizer in the hole as this can damage the young roots and it is not necessary - your plant has all the nutrients it needs right inside the bulb!

Place the bulb in the hole and cover loosely with dirt. Dig a shallow moat around the bulb and water thoroughly so that the moat is full. Let the moat drain then fill in the rest of the soil and pack lightly. Give it a final thorough watering and you’re done!

Planning your bulb garden is important for antithetic purposes. Put the taller bulbs in back and the shorter ones in front. If you have a garden that can be viewed from all sides then put the taller bulbs in the middle. Since most bulbs only bloom for a few weeks, you need to include bulbs with all different bloom times in your garden. Buy bulbs that bloom in early spring, late spring, early summer and late summer and plant them all in the same area for color all season long. You can plant them next to each other or even in the same hole. If you time things perfectly, you will have one plant starting to bloom as another is ending.

Keeping your bulbs healthy and vibrant is easy. Remember to water them per instructions and fertilize them yearly. When your flower is done blooming, do not remove the leaves until they have turned brown - the green leaves are gathering nutrients to be stored in the bulb for next years flower!

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The first thing that you need to do in order to be comfortable in a great kilt is to know the difference between the different kilts. There are kilts that are sewn and draped and there are ones that are sewn with pleats. When you have a sewn kilt, you will have to know how to wear it for comfort and style.

First you should close the kilt by taking the right side apron through the hole of the left buckle and adhering it to the left buckle. Fasten the left apron to the right and the fringed edge and kilt pin should be to the right. You should make sure that your Kilt falls to the center of the knee. It should sit on your natural waist also.

Make sure that the pleats are at the back of the Kilt and strap the sporran at least three fingers below the belt. The strap will fasten in the back of the Kilt. You should also wear the kilt hose folded with two to three fingers below the knee. The kilt flashes on the outside of the leg will cover the strap with the fold of the sock.

There are a few tips that can also be associated with the Kilt as well. A plain white shirt will make the best fashion look with the Kilt. They are also used all over the world for weddings, funerals, and special events. It is also a good idea to always wear something under the Kilt. Never go completely bare under there. The wind can pick up at any moment and will leave all of you free for the world to see.

You may even want to use a pin or special tie to ensure that the kilt will stay closed even in the highest winds. Kilts are worn by all kinds of people for all different reasons. A lot of them are worn because of a special group or event. It is a good idea to understand this way of dress so that you do not offend anyone by wearing it wrong.

Many Kilts are worn in parades around the world. There are a lot of bands that include a kilt in their dress code. This is especially nice when the group performs and plays the bagpipes. This is a great addition to any group or event. Many marching bands will incorporate this popular look into their routine and will make their band well known for this reason.

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Types of Embroidery Machines:

When shopping for embroidery machines, remember that there are different types of equipments that can be classified under embroidery machines, based on function, size and use. The most common types are those that need manual operation to create designs on fabrics and other materials, and are mainly used for fiber art and quilting projects. These are:

1. Embroidery only Machine: This unit is meant only for embroidery and can be a great accompaniment for sewing machines, and for creating simple embellishments of existing items. Portable, so best for homeowners who love to embroider.

2. Combination Embroidery Machine: This equipment combines sewing and embroidery features into one unit. Great for tailors or sewers who want to embroider too.

3. Commercial Embroidery Machine: Has multiple needles. Several colors can be threaded before starting work on the design so a lot of time is saved. Units can be large, so best for commercial and heavy use.

Computerized Embroidery Machines:

Computerized Embroidery Machines, though a little more expensive than conventional embroidery machines, are most convenient for hobbyists and professionals alike. These units are capable of automatically creating designs from pre-made patterns that are fed into them through CDs, floppy disks, or flash cards. They can also be connected to a computer to create custom designs.

The average Computerized Embroidery Machine costs around 500-600 dollars, along with the digitizing software program. Additional embroidery patterns can be bought from manufacturers, and other companies dealing with these kinds of embroidery accessories. However, many people prefer to create their own patterns by attaching the machine to a computer loaded with digitizing programs capable of resizing, editing and creating patterns.

Embroidery machine software programs can be divided into Commercial software- for custom designs, Machine-specific software - That can be downloaded for personal use, Independent-vendor software - An add-on for converting formats, Independent-designers software - which requires brand-specific hardware and software.

Important Features to Look for:

After you’ve made a decision to buy an embroidery machine that you like, don’t forget to double check if the equipment incorporates any of these important features:

1. Mirror-image capability - enables symmetry and balance in the pattern-creating process.

2. Cutaway Backing - enables cutting the excess with a pair of scissors.

3. Tearaway Backing - enables the excess to be torn away after fabric is embroidered.

4. Automatic needle threaders.

5. Bobbin: The spool that holds the thread. The stitches on the underside of the garment are formed by the Bobbin thread.

6. Presser foot - a tool that is used to hold the fabric steady and provides support and stability to the garment being embroidered.

7. Hoop - another embroidery tool to hold the fabric steady.

8. Embroidery Scanner - can scan custom designs and convert them into stitches.

Popular Embroidery Machines:

Some of the more popular Embroidery Machines that you might want to consider before buying one include those manufactured by Tajima and Melco such as Bernina, Pfaff, Babylock and Brother; and other brands like White and Simplicity.

Embroidery HQ offers articles, tips and tricks about embroidery.

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You did it! You’ve decided to leave dial-up behind for the speed of broadband Internet access. So, what are you going to do with all that speed now?

You’re really in a great position to fully enjoy all the web and Internet have to offer. Gone are the days when you’re waiting for a dial-up signal (remember all the busy signals you used to get on dial-up?) Gone are the long delays waiting for a page to load or in downloading those email attachments.

Access time, page loads and downloading email attachments are just the beginning. The benefits of broadband access far exceed that. You’re free to surf where ever and what ever you can imagine. Searches become so fast there’s not a topic anyone can thrown at you that you won’t be able to use your favorite search engine to lookup information on.

Online bill pay, shopping, gaming, streaming audio, video, uploads, downloads, research, chats, forums, instant messaging, blogs, the list goes on. Not sure what any of those terms mean? Go to your favorite search engine and type the word or phrase in and find out! The search engines are getting smarter and smarter and the result pages are more accurate today than they have ever been.

Don’t worry about online time. You may have had dial-up access that limited your online experience by placing time limits on you. After your limit was up, the cost per minute could get very expensive.

Looking to learn HTML, XML or a programming language? There are free tutorials all over the internet just waiting for you.

Surfing the internet and the web can keep you busy enough. With broadband internet access, your possibilities don’t stop there. You can setup a home network and run more than one computer on your connection at a time! No more fighting over who gets how much time online! Don’t have a second computer (or need one) at home? No problem. You also have the option of going wireless! (Ok, you could go wireless with more than one computer as well!) Wireless really breaks down the walls! (Literally!) My primary computer at home is a laptop and I love the freedom to be anywhere in my home and be online! No more wires!

Now, with your broadband internet service you’re surfing better than ever. You may have decided to hook up a home network. You might even consider VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) for your phone service and actually leverage the cost of broadband internet service by saving money on your monthly phone bills!

So many more possibilities await you.

If you’re not yet using broadband, find out what’s available in your area. Find out which vendors are offering what specials. Learn a bit about the technology, get your quote for service, get your service ordered and installed and start surfing the way it was meant to be!

Provided by the Full Service Broadband Provider. You can find us at www.fullservice-broadband-provider.com. We offer information and quotes on the broadband technology. Residential, business, VoIP , T1 service and more. Get the information you need before making any broadband technology purchases.

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Cork is the second largest city in Ireland and the principal city of the province of Munster. The city has a population of 123,000 inhabitants and is located on the banks of the River Lee in the south of the country. Cork harbour is recognized as one of the best natural harbours in Europe: the first yachting club in the world was founded here in 1720. The old town of Cork is centred on an island on the River Lee, and the city was most likely founded around a monastic site in the 7th century.

The city’s name derives from the Irish word ‘corcach’, meaning ‘marshy place’. This is in reference to its being originally founded on a group of islands on the River Lee. Cork has a strong history of rebellion against the British and was particularly active during the War of Independence in the early 1920s. The city lost a number of buildings due to arson attacks by the British army in retaliation for an ambush on a British convoy. This has contributed to Cork been given the nickname ‘the Rebel County’.

Patrick’s Street is the main thoroughfare which runs through the heart of the city, with Oliver Plunkett Street running almost parallel to it. Both of these streets and the alleyways and lanes that link them comprise of the busy downtown core. Here you will find a vast array of shops, pubs and restaurants. West of this is the English Market, where a number of international and local culinary delicacies can be found. Cork has a reputation for being the culinary capital of Ireland, being home to some of the best restaurants to be found anywhere in the country.

Some places of interest for the visitor would include: Shandon Church - the tower and bells of which are symbols of the city, the award winning Lewis Gluckman Gallery situated within the grounds of University College Cork, the Cork Vision Centre, St Finbarr’s Cathedral, Elizabeth Fort, and Cork City Gaol.

Ronan Menton is the webmaster for a number of travel related websites and has been for some time in Ireland, associated with search engine optimisation in the Irish travel industry. He spends two months a year in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and now sees it as his second home. Among the many sites he is currently working on are the following: hotels in Cork and hotels in Cannes.

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There’s no doubt about it, some people are just better at poker than others. They appear to win consistently and seemingly at will. So this leaves many with a few questions which linger on the mind.

Could it be that poker is only a game of chance with no other forces to play upon besides the fickle Lady Luck?

What makes a good poker player a great poker player?

Is there a way in which I can be a more successful poker player?

If these questions have been yours at one time or another, then you’re certainly not alone. Millions of average poker players would like to enhance their gaming skill, and there are tons of products out there selling every day which promise to make you a better poker player. Poker players and wannabe poker gurus spend hard earned cash every day to learn the one secret which will transform them into poker pros in twenty four hours or less.

Let’s face it, if skill came in a can, and Lady Luck in a bottle, we’d all be poker pros. Sadly, improving your poker game just isn’t as easy as opening a can or a bottle, but don’t lose hope, there is something you can do.

The main problem which plagues poker players is the lack of focus. Focus is the key which can turn mediocre poker players into successful poker players. When a player loses focus, they will most certainly lose the game to someone who has maintained theirs.

The main causes of loss of focus at the poker table are:

Focusing on talk rather than the poker game: Talking during play is without a doubt the toughest habit to kick, and is the biggest consumer of our poker time attention. Poker time chat is something that’s expected, especially among friends, so it’s tough to quit without appearing rude. Tone it down over time, and you’ll see your poker winning streak improve.

Focusing on food rather than the poker game: Food is essential to all human beings, that’s a fact we’re all familiar with. However, food shouldn’t be your focus while playing poker. Instead of munching during the actual game, grab something to eat before play begins, and during breaks in play. Focus off of food leaves more focus for poker.

Focusing on alcohol rather than on the poker game: Now here’s where I’ll lose some of you for sure. If you really want to improve your poker game, leave the drinking of alcoholic beverages for post game chatter. A clear mind places smarter bets, and also puts you at an advantage over your inebriated poker pals.

Focusing on a personal issue rather than on the poker game: We all have issues at one time or another in life. Bringing them to the poker table isn’t helping anyone but your opponents. If you have something pressing on your mind and can’t set it aside, then leave poker for another time. This may sound a little harsh, but it’s the truth.

Focusing on a local distraction: This could be anything from your friend’s bad toupee, the barking of a distant dog or the tv upstairs. Filter out the ambient non poker essentials. Forget the toupee, the dog and the tv. It’s poker time pal, let’s get down to it!

Focus in itself is a skill. Any skill can be developed over time if diligently practiced. The five focus stealers we discussed will kill your poker game if you let them. By developing a razor sharp focus, you can cut them off before they become a persistent problem.

Check out our online poker room reviews, online Party Poker bonus codes, and exclusive Party Poker bonus code.

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Everyone wants to be fit and healthy. For many people walking has become the exercise of choice. Treadmills offer the ability to exercise despite bad weather conditions. They offer a low impact cardiovascular workout while also being an easy exercise. There are many reasons to include treadmill walking in your workout…

Reason#1 — Treadmills are used indoors. This eliminates the need to abandon a workout because the weather outside is not ideal. This also allows for you to be able to exercise anytime you want.

Reason#2 — Treadmills give a low impact, cardiovascular workout. Unlike other exercises that give you a good cardiovascular workout, the treadmill does it with no impact on your joints or spine. This is especially nice for someone concerned about a pre-existing health issue.

Reason#3 — Treadmills have been around for years. This means treadmills are not some fad that will go out of style in a year or two. Walking is a natural, easy workout that is known for its great health benefits. If you invest in a treadmill you will be putting money into something that will help improve your health and is proven to work.

Reason#4 — Treadmills offer programmable options. These options allow you to vary your workout just as you would outside. You can change the speed or incline to produce a workout that is best for your needs. This also makes it great for beginners because they can start slow and increase over time.

These are just four of the great reasons to use a treadmill. You will find it is an easy workout to stick with because there is nothing strenuous about it, it is easy to do and you can watch television or read a book while doing it. Treadmills are not a here today, gone tomorrow fad that you will tire of quickly, but instead is a long lasting staple in your health’s future.

Mark French is a personal fitness trainer and writer for Best Bargains for Treadmills on the Web, a sites that tries to source the best deals for treadmills, including information on the best used treadmills for sale online.

(c) Copyright 2005 All Right Reserved

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Summary: Because of soaring uranium prices, hundreds of companies have formed to capitalize upon the latest craze. How do you avoid being fooled? Look to ISL uranium companies. About 21 percent of the world’s nuclear reactors are now fueled by uranium mined using this method. How do you evaluate the many uranium companies now developing their ISL operations?

Now that the spot uranium price has sustained above $40/pound, after a 20-year drought and a bottom of $6.40/pound at the end of December 2000, hundreds of junior exploration companies have thrown their hat into the ring. Both Canadian and Australian junior uranium companies hope to raise the big money required to bring a uranium property into production. A perceived uranium supply crunch has added to this frenzy. As occurred with previous uranium cycles, only the strong will survive.

While numerous Canadian junior exploration companies hope to find a new discovery in various uranium-prospective regions through Canada, a safer investment strategy is to speculate on companies, whose properties were previously drilled during the uranium bull market of 1974-1980). Some of those properties had uranium deposits delineated by major oil and uranium companies, who did not blush at spending tens of millions of dollars in exploration.

Some of the newly arrived uranium companies acquired those drilling databases and their properties, which were abandoned by the previous owners. Some companies have been actively moving their projects forward to production, using a more environmentally friendly mining method than an open pit or underground mine. It is called In Situ Leach (ISL) uranium mining, and the operation is much like a water treatment plan. Oxidized, or carbonated, water is pumped into an orebody, and uranium is flushed into a processing plant. These are relatively inexpensive to install, possibly for as little as $10 million.

There are pitfalls when investing in those companies which plan to establish ISL operations. During the initial phase of this bull market, a common myth, circulated among investors, had been “pounds in the ground.” How many pounds of uranium oxide, or U3O8 for short, does a company have in the ground? The more pounds a company claimed, the higher its market capitalization ran. Once you sift through the companies with very real prospects from those who are cheerleading their “pounds in the ground,” you should have a realistic short list.

These are the four key questions which must be answered if you wish to minimize your risk when investing in uranium stocks:

• How permeable are the ore bodies you plan to mine?
• What is your average grade?
• Over what area does your rollfront extend?
• What is the depth of your ore body?

One of the most important factors to consider is the permeability of the sandstone, from which the uranium will be mined. Permeability is the flow rate of the liquids through the porous sandstone. Knowing what the permeability of the orebody will let you know how much water you can get through the sandstone formation. Harry Anthony, an internationally recognized ISL expert, noted, “You need higher grade ore for tight formations. With high permeability, you can space your wells further apart.”

The make-break point for a formation’s permeability is its Darcy rating. How high is the Darcy? A typical Darcy can range from minus 1000 to plus 3. The higher the Darcy, the more permeable the formation. This helps determine how economic the orebody is. An acceptable range would be one-half to one Darcy. What is a Darcy? Uranerz Energy CEO Glenn Catchpole, who is also a hydrologist, said, “It is gallons per day over feet squared.” He added a pure hydrologist would calculate the feet per day or centimeters per second to get a more accurate permeability assessment.

With low permeability in a tight formation, you may need to space more wells in a typical well field pattern. While explaining that costs are fixed and variable, Anthony computed the cost of a production well for a 500 foot deposit at $15,000. An injection well could cost $11,000 to install. By comparison, in New Mexico, where the deposits are wider and of higher grade, a 2000-foot production well might cost $27,000 and the injection well could cost $18,000, and it would still be economic. Obviously, the deeper the deposit, the more it will cost to extract the uranium. Not only will the capital costs increase, but operating costs will be greater.

Uranium grades can be a contentious point. “Grade is the driving force,” Harry Anthony shot back. We asked him about companies which said they could run an economic ISL operation with grades as low, or lower than 0.02. Anthony laughed, “They’d be out of business before they started.” Strathmore Minerals’ president David Miller offered a more technical analysis, “That will not likely have enough recoverable pounds. The operating grade feeding the plant will be too low.” What is the best grade? Miller wanted to see properties with deposits that average on the order 0.5, 0.10, or 0.15.

Uranium grades can impact the cost of operating an ISL plant. An ISL plant may operate at 5000 gallons per minute. Running 24 hours daily, the plant would process 7.2 million gallons of water. Operating costs are based upon cost per thousand gallons of water. “This includes electricity, reagents and labor,” said Anthony. On a daily basis, it would cost more than $21,000 to run an ISL plant, based upon Anthony’s calculations of $3.03 per thousand gallons of water. Under this scenario, a plant might produce 2360 pounds of U3O8 every day or 80,000 pounds monthly. The cost to produce each pound would be $8.18. Using that math, the uranium grades would be about 44 parts per million (ppm) or 0.08. Anthony said, “I like to see 70ppm or higher.” That comes to a uranium grade of 0.13.

Another way to evaluate a company’s uranium property is looking at each part of its development costs. In a well field pattern, David Miller can determine the economic viability of the ground. “The keys to what is recoverable include how many pounds are recoverable per pattern and what it costs to install a pattern,” Miller explained. “If you have 10,000 pounds in place and can recover 8000 pounds, your well field development cost can be $8/pound, if it costs you $80,000 to install that pattern.

The cost to install a pattern also depends over how much territory your uranium deposits run. “Ten million pounds over an area of one-half mile will cost less than those same pounds over an area of two to four miles,” explained Terrence Osier, Strathmore Minerals senior geologist. “That means more injection wells and more production wells.” Depth of the wells influences installation cost and impacts its daily operating cost. “When uranium costs were very low, a company needed 70,000 pounds per pattern,” Anthony commented. “Now a company might only need 20,000 pounds per pattern to make it economic.”

There are many variables within the above advices provided by these experts. However, the important point to realize is the time of hyperbole and hoopla over “pounds in the ground” has passed. As more uranium development companies move closer to establishing an ISL operation, the go/no-go consideration, as UR-Energy CEO William Boberg aptly described it, will come down to permeability. After that, the economics of a project will either make it viable or not. Using these criteria, you can avoid the hysteria by speculating with the odds stacked more in your favor.

James Finch contributes to StockInterview.com and other publications. The above article can be read in its entirety with full graphics and additional data at www.stockinterview.com. Feedback to James Finch is welcome and encouraged. Please contact him at jfinch@stockinterview.com

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