Chapter 380: Boss, You're Incredible
Bill had spent decades deeply entrenched in Ontario's mineral exploration industry. He knew the geological conditions of every piece of land here like the back of his hand.
In his subconscious assessment, apart from the main gold-producing district centered around the Red Lake deposit, it seemed nearly impossible for the entire province of Ontario to have a second significant gold region.
Precisely because of this conviction, over the years, whenever any gold company approached him for exploration projects, Bill would instinctively look northward to Ontario's primary gold-producing area.
Recently, when Barrick Gold Corporation invited him to take part in a project, his first reaction was to select an area with known exploration potential on the outskirts of the main gold region. He planned to conduct a thorough geological survey, hoping to find clues pointing to additional gold deposits.
When Li Tang had insisted on selecting Chapleau Township for the project, Bill had been both curious and puzzled.
Chapleau Township, situated in southern Ontario, enjoyed a relatively warm climate, much more suitable for exploration compared to the northern Arctic areas. Undoubtedly, geological surveys had been conducted there previously, but no significant gold mineralization indicators had ever been reported.
So why had Li Tang chosen this particular area?
This question had lingered persistently in Bill's mind. However, since Li Tang had left the project team early on, Bill eventually gave up pursuing the answer.
Initially, Bill believed the Chapleau Gold Project wouldn't yield anything exceptional, especially without Li Tang's constant oversight.
Yet, unexpectedly, news arrived: gold had been discovered!
And not just any deposit—it was a substantial discovery!
According to the data in his hand, there were two crucial reserve figures: one estimate was ninety-five tonnes, and the economically recoverable reserves were approximately forty-four tonnes.
Either figure represented a significant gold deposit!
Moreover, the exploration had only just begun. As the project continued, the reserve figures would undoubtedly grow.
Even more astonishing was that this discovery occurred in an area where no one had ever suspected large-scale gold mineralization could exist!
At this moment, Bill found it all incredibly surreal, as though listening to a fantasy story. Yet the data sheets, drilling records, and laboratory assay reports from authoritative testing organizations were meticulously documented, entirely credible and authentic.
"Why would such a massive gold deposit exist here?" Bill pondered deeply but still couldn't find a satisfactory explanation.
He continued examining the data sheets, feeling even more astonished. "These are high-grade deposits!"
With numerous unanswered questions swirling in his mind, he dragged his aged body back to Chapleau Township once again. This inconspicuous small town now appeared incredibly mysterious and remarkable.
"Mr. Bill, you're finally here—we've been eagerly awaiting your arrival!" Mark had been patiently waiting for Bill.
The Chapleau Gold Project had already yielded extraordinary results. To be precise, the reserves discovered thus far surpassed all expectations. The technical team's predictions of even greater potential for the region heightened their excitement. If they could uncover additional high-grade deposits and establish Chapleau as a new major gold district, it would be an incredible achievement!
Obtaining such significant returns from minimal investment—this had indeed been a highly worthwhile venture!
However, despite his delight, Mark, a CEO lacking technical expertise, still wanted a seasoned expert like Bill to evaluate and analyze the findings thoroughly.
"I've reviewed the project data. The results far exceeded my expectations!" Bill eagerly approached the project headquarters, leaning on his cane as he moved forward briskly. "Is Li Tang still here?"
"He's here!" Mark closely followed Bill, maintaining a pleasant smile. "Li Tang has been here for some time, regularly advising on the project's next steps."
"Did he say anything specific about the discovery of this gold deposit?" Bill placed great importance on Li Tang's every word.
"Well…" Mark carefully thought over recent interactions with Li Tang but couldn't recall anything particularly notable. He answered truthfully, "Li Tang seemed calm, even somewhat irritated."
"Irritated?" Bill paused, confused.
"The financing plan for the Mary River Iron Ore project was rejected. Normally, the project wouldn't have undergone an additional national security review by the Investment Review Board. However, due to Layton's public remarks and subsequent public opposition, the board was compelled to initiate an additional 45-day national security review. Eventually, they rejected the Mary River Iron Ore project's investment plan."
Mark described the issue with frustration, "I recently discussed this with Li Tang. It seems there's no straightforward way to bypass the Investment Review Board unless Layton reverses his stance or public opinion drastically changes. No official would dare approve the project under these conditions—it's too politically risky!"
"This issue has sparked widespread debate and even affected trade relations between the two countries," Bill sighed. "Rationally, I know the successful development of the Mary River Iron Ore mine would undoubtedly bring significant economic benefits. Yet, economics and politics are always intertwined, making it difficult to separate clearly. I'd like to help Li Tang, but I don't see any feasible way."
He turned back to Mark. "As CEO, you have substantial influence and friendships with many members of parliament. Perhaps you could help?"
"I'm in a tough spot myself." Mark frowned. "The board rejected the investment citing national security concerns—this accusation is too heavy for me to intervene."
"Frankly, this practice is discrimination against Eastern enterprises. Had domestic or American capital invested in Mary River, none of this controversy would have emerged."
"It's essentially a cultural and geopolitical competition, and it's hard to clearly label right or wrong." Mark saw the project headquarters ahead, revealing one last insight, "I've promised Li Tang that I'll try mediating with Layton. However, realistically, I doubt it'll achieve much."
Bill nodded indifferently, as the issue was ultimately unrelated to him. Upon entering the project headquarters, he saw Li Tang seated on a couch inside.
Each time Bill saw this young Chinese man, he felt deeply moved. "Li Tang!" he called warmly.
Li Tang had been spacing out. With little to actively do at the moment, he found himself quite bored, left merely drinking tea. Initially, he'd planned to return home with He Runqi and the team to celebrate the Lunar New Year. However, since He Runqi decided the entire technical team would stay on-site during the holiday, Li Tang, as their boss, chose solidarity and remained with them.
Hearing someone call his name in a foreign accent, he looked up, saw the elderly Bill, and quickly stood to greet him warmly, "Mr. Bill, how are you?"
"I'm very well." Bill sat down, anxiously spreading out the project files he'd brought along. He directly asked, "Regarding Chapleau Township's great potential to become Ontario's second major gold region, what's your opinion?"
Without hesitation, Li Tang replied, "If that's the case, congratulations to Barrick Gold. This project has produced enormous returns from minimal investment—they've struck gold indeed!"
"Naturally, Barrick Gold will benefit the most." Bill wasn't concerned about economic returns. His urgency stemmed from a desire for technical insights, particularly Li Tang's professional opinions. "As Mark's friend and technical advisor, what do you think our next steps should be to discover additional deposits or even larger ore bodies, fulfilling the prediction of becoming the second-largest gold-producing region?"
"Structurally controlled gold deposits like these have a very random spatial distribution with no obvious patterns," Li Tang replied simply. "The best way to discover additional ore bodies is to intensify drilling. There's no other reliable method."
Li Tang's advice wasn't groundbreaking, yet undeniably practical.
Bill stared into Li Tang's eyes, hoping to glean deeper insights, but ultimately failed.
Up to this point, Bill considered the Chapleau Gold Project discovery partially due to luck. However, after examining the project's progression, it felt as though this 'luck' was somehow deliberately engineered!
"This is truly a remarkable discovery, demonstrating our previous assumptions about Ontario's gold potential were wrong!" he exclaimed with admiration.
Geologists from the Ontario Geological Association, accompanying Bill, were equally astonished upon reviewing the project's data. Each felt bewildered.
"It makes no sense. How could such a significant gold deposit be here?"
"I conducted geological surveys here previously but found no evidence of gold. It's incredible how close we came without noticing!"
"These are structurally controlled gold deposits; no visible surface outcroppings existed. Yet drilling data reveals ore bodies weren't deeply buried—just hidden below the surface."
"All I can say is that finding this gold deposit involved remarkable luck."
"Luck or not, the Chapleau discovery was undoubtedly led by the Chinese exploration team! Without their leadership, Barrick Gold would never have chosen this area for exploration."
"I recall Mr. Bill initially advocating exploration in the northern part of the province."
"It's truly embarrassing," one of the geologists said regretfully. "We've been exploring here for years and conducted multiple gold exploration projects, but none of us ever suspected there was gold here, especially not such a large deposit!"
"Enough about that," another geologist interjected, trying to shift the focus forward. "Now we need to carefully analyze the discovered ore bodies, their geological characteristics, and the mineralization conditions. If we thoroughly understand the geological theories behind this discovery, we can apply this knowledge to surrounding areas near Chapleau Township and find even more ore bodies—potentially revealing an entire district rich in gold!"
"Indeed! Overnight, this region has turned into an extremely promising area for gold exploration," agreed another excitedly.
"More than just promising—this will undoubtedly become the new hot spot for gold prospecting!"
As the experts discussed the project among themselves, many had already begun to formulate other plans.
Most of these senior experts and renowned geologists had agreements or consulting relationships with various mining companies. The emergence of this hot new gold region naturally spurred them to quickly contact their clients to establish new exploration projects, enabling them to earn introduction fees or consulting income.
These experts weren't the only ones who smelled opportunity. After Barrick Gold, as a publicly listed company, fulfilled its obligation to disclose the progress of the Chapleau gold exploration project, the entire Canadian exploration community erupted in excitement.
Adventurous prospectors and exploration companies scrambled into action, grabbing geological hammers, compasses, and instruments, rushing overnight toward Chapleau Township.
"There's gold in Chapleau! First come, first served!"
"Hey, buddy! A gold rush! Come quickly!"
"If we find just one small deposit of a few dozen tonnes, we can easily sell the mining rights for tens of millions of Canadian dollars!"
"Forget everything else! Check immediately which areas around Chapleau Township are still open for exploration claims, and apply right away!"
"Quickly, quickly!"
Even major players like Newmont Goldcorp couldn't sit still after hearing that Barrick Gold had unexpectedly discovered a large gold deposit in such a seemingly unpromising place. According to geologists who visited the site, the discovery might only be the tip of the iceberg, similar to the legendary Red Lake deposit. There could be even larger gold deposits, potentially exceeding hundreds of tonnes!
That meant Chapleau Township had a very good chance of becoming Ontario's next major gold district.
"Exploration department, immediately assemble a team! Fly to Chapleau Township today, identify project areas, and commence exploration!" ordered Newmont's CEO in an emergency meeting with his exploration managers.
"We absolutely cannot afford to miss out on such a huge gold deposit!" he said urgently, fearing any delay might leave them only scraps after others had taken the lion's share.
Chapleau Township, usually a peaceful and remote town, had suddenly burst into frantic activity. Prospectors from all corners arrived wearing work uniforms and hiking boots, carrying various geological instruments, rushing around anxiously.
As Li Tang left the small town, heading to a modest local airstrip to catch a flight back to Toronto, one of the prospectors noticed his Asian features and suddenly stepped forward to block his path.
"Are you a Chinese geologist? Come work with us—we'll pay you top wages!" the man exclaimed excitedly.
Li Tang was somewhat amused by this unexpected offer and responded only with a polite smile.
Before he could reply, Mark's accompanying staff quickly intervened and gently pulled the enthusiastic prospector aside.
"You're Li Tang!" someone else suddenly recognized him and shouted excitedly. "Li, Li! Can we take a photo together? You're my idol!"
"I support the Mary River Iron Ore project! Please don't get discouraged. You must succeed with that project!"
"I watched your documentary. Even though you didn't appear on camera personally, I still watched the full two hours!"
"What's your next project? Which mineral and where?"
"Is your Li Tang Prosperity Holdings hiring?"
The bustling prospectors, previously rushing by, abruptly stopped and gathered, staring respectfully at Li Tang.
Li Tang was genuinely surprised by the positive reaction. At least here, among those working in exploration and mining, it appeared he was more admired than resented.
"I wish you all good luck!" Li Tang waved warmly, then turned around and climbed aboard the small plane.
On board, Mark laughed cheerfully. "You're an idol for everyone in the mining industry! There isn't a single person who wouldn't want to become a hero like you!"
Li Tang paused to consider Mark's words and modestly replied, "I'm not really a hero—I haven't saved anyone. My success is merely due to having slightly better luck than others."
"But you've set a fantastic example for all mining industry professionals," Mark continued generously. "Your story has shown people around the world that joining the mining industry can give anyone a chance at becoming incredibly wealthy."
Mark genuinely praised Li Tang, "Enrollment in geology and exploration programs across Canada has dramatically increased over the past couple of years. There's no doubt in my mind that you're the reason for this surge. Many students see you as their role model, aspiring to become someone like you."
"That will be difficult," Li Tang said with a smile.
"Indeed, nearly impossible," Mark admitted.
How many Li Tangs could there possibly be in the world? Just one.
"2006 ended some time ago. According to our contract terms, the rewards for the Chapleau gold exploration project should be settled annually based on our discoveries," Li Tang calmly reminded Mark, politely but firmly. "According to our agreement, based on the reserve calculations using a cutoff grade of 3 grams per tonne, the confirmed gold reserves have reached ninety-five tonnes so far—rounding up makes it exactly one hundred tonnes, equating to exactly one hundred million US dollars."
"Is it really that much?" Mark asked in surprise.
He was fully aware of the data, but Barrick Gold's internal assessments indicated an economically recoverable reserve of only forty-four tonnes—a significant discrepancy from Li Tang's calculation.
"If you have any doubts about the data, you're welcome to verify it against the drilling records and laboratory results," Li Tang replied plainly.
"No doubts," Mark quickly clarified. "It's just a neat coincidence—exactly one hundred million dollars."
In reality, Mark didn't mind this large sum. After all, it was the company's money, not his personal wealth. Moreover, the returns from this investment had already greatly exceeded expectations. Everyone in the Canadian and American mining communities was now well aware of their hugely successful exploration project.
This achievement would significantly boost this year's bonuses!
"Since there's no issue, our company's CFO is already in Toronto. We can complete the settlement right away," Li Tang said, genuinely needing these funds urgently.
"No problem at all," Mark agreed quickly.
After a short 500-kilometer flight, the plane landed smoothly in Toronto. Alice was waiting at the airport, her long blonde hair flowing gracefully in the wind.
Unexpectedly, Fred was also there. As soon as he saw Li Tang, his round figure and flushed cheeks lit up excitedly. He spread his arms wide and dashed toward Li Tang.
"Boss, you're incredible!" Fred exclaimed enthusiastically, his warmth unwavering.
"No flattery," Li Tang teased good-naturedly.
"You just sold Tropicana Gold Mine for 250 million dollars and then immediately discovered the Chapleau Gold deposit!" Fred exclaimed in admiration.
Fred was formerly notorious in the Australian capital markets as one of the infamous "Three Hustlers." After Li Tang had recruited him, Fred had quickly become completely loyal, entirely captivated by Li Tang's talent and charisma.
"Even you've heard about it already?" Li Tang marveled, amused at how rapidly information spread these days.
"Barrick Gold announced their exploration results publicly, and it immediately hit all the major media outlets. Of course, I've heard about it!" Fred laughed gleefully. "So, Chapleau really has a hundred-tonne deposit, and they're still exploring more?"
"Yes," Li Tang confirmed, pointing toward Mark. "But Barrick Gold holds full ownership of the deposit. It doesn't belong to me."
He handed Alice the documents. "According to our contract, we're entitled to receive compensation from Barrick Gold. It's not much trouble—I'll need you to handle this transaction together with Mr. Mark."
"How much is it?" Alice casually asked, expecting nothing significant.
"One hundred million dollars," Li Tang responded plainly.
"What?" Alice gasped in disbelief. "Why is it so much?"
"Mr. Mark is generous," Li Tang joked, smiling.
Mark immediately waved his hands in alarm. "Wait, wait, it's not my generosity! It's the company's money, contractually agreed upon!"
He nervously glanced around, worried someone might misunderstand or misuse his casual words, mistakenly thinking he'd gifted Li Tang this huge sum personally. He didn't want the board or shareholders getting any wrong impressions.
Fred, meanwhile, was surprisingly unfazed by the sum but instead expressed regret, "Such a large gold deposit, with so much potential exploration area around it—if only the mining rights belonged to us, we'd have made a real fortune!"
Mark smiled broadly, appreciating the sentiment. The rights were indeed Barrick Gold's, and even though they had spent 100 million dollars on Li Tang's fee and over ten million more on exploration, it had already proven a spectacular investment.
Fred turned toward Mark and grinned warmly. "Mr. Mark, let's find opportunities to collaborate!"
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 40 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Johanssen