Chapter 275: Really Thinks He's a Superstar
Though the Pebble Project was located in the United States, Northern Dynasty Minerals had its headquarters in Toronto.
Cristos and Li Tang arrived in Toronto.
Both joined Northern Dynasty Minerals as board members and technical advisors.
During the first official high-level company meeting, everyone cautiously observed Li Tang and Cristos.
All the company's engineers were also its partners and shareholders. However, due to the aggressive intervention by Cruiser Investment and subsequent financing, their shares had been significantly diluted.
Especially Collier—he had originally owned 35% of the company, but his shareholding had greatly decreased. Yet, because he controlled the majority of proxy votes, he still maintained substantial influence within the company.
This was the primary reason he refused to leave the company.
"This is Li Tang, the discoverer of the Talego copper-gold mine," Collier introduced Li Tang to everyone.
"Oh—"
All present spontaneously exclaimed in amazement.
The Pebble Project they had undertaken was confirmed as a porphyry copper-gold deposit, though relatively small. When the news about the Talego mine's world-class discovery first broke, everyone here had felt genuinely inspired.
A world-class mineral discovery was the ultimate goal of their exploration work.
But finding such a deposit was far from easy.
The Pebble Project had revealed mineralization on the surface back in 1988. Teck Resources had continuously funded exploration but never achieved significant breakthroughs. Low-grade ore, coupled with its remote and frigid location, lacking adequate infrastructure, meant this property had minimal commercial value.
There had been no real interest from potential buyers.
"He openly criticized our exploration plan," Collier remarked, looking pointedly at Li Tang.
This statement sounded like an accusation.
Everyone's gaze shifted from initial respect to something more complex—some displayed anger, others neutrality, and a few wore expressions of contempt.
"You might have discovered Talego, but aren't you being overly arrogant here?"
"You clearly don't understand Alaska's geological conditions, whereas we've spent an entire year working there. Isn't your assessment too premature?"
"Maybe he's just an ignorant yet conceited individual."
"My PhD thesis specifically studied the Pacific Rim volcanic belt, whose structures fundamentally determine the formation of porphyry copper deposits. No one understands this better than me."
"Talego is a porphyry copper-gold deposit, but its formation differs significantly from ours. If you're using Talego's model to evaluate geological conditions here, your judgment will likely be flawed."
Northern Dynasty Minerals' staff, except a few financial personnel, were mostly geological, geophysical, or geochemical engineers. Losing confidence in their expertise would amount to losing their professional faith—they were naturally very proud and confident.
"Look, if you can't specify exactly what's wrong with our Pebble Project plan, then…," Collier smirked, bluntly finishing, "you'll just be making a fool of yourself."
As Li Tang's partner, Cristos made no move to help him. Instead, he watched Li Tang amusedly, curious how this young Chinese man would respond.
Behind Li Tang, Catherine and others were clearly agitated on his behalf. But none of them were technical personnel, so they couldn't argue technicalities effectively.
"I never intended to doubt your expertise," Li Tang began, smiling calmly, perfectly composed. "Canada hosts the world's most prosperous mineral exploration industry, with nearly two thousand listed junior exploration companies—a remarkable achievement unmatched by any other nation."
His words instantly resonated with everyone, easing some of the tension.
The hostility from certain members gradually softened.
"Everyone here, whether from Canada or the United States, has studied at some of the world's leading geological institutions. Your knowledge is profound. It's my honor to work and progress together with you," Li Tang earnestly declared, placing a hand sincerely over his heart.
This respectful attitude appeared nothing like arrogance.
Cristos watched Li Tang in astonishment.
Even Collier seemed momentarily confused.
This wasn't how it was supposed to unfold. Li Tang should've been arguing heatedly, perhaps even rolling up his sleeves to fight. Instead, this harmonious approach made it impossible to isolate him.
"Ahem!" Collier cleared his throat, refocusing, and insisted firmly, "We're here primarily to discuss the flaws and shortcomings you've allegedly found in our technical plan. Today is both an introductory meeting and a technical seminar. We'd prefer to hear your specific technical insights, rather than merely motivational speeches."
"Alright," Li Tang nodded and opened the project files, spreading out an engineering map.
Technical language transcends borders, though minor standard differences existed. Even map symbols varied by region. Li Tang had spent considerable effort getting accustomed to their drafting methods.
"Since the 1980s, mineralization was detected at this location. With deeper exploration, larger ore bodies were identified, albeit with lower grades," Li Tang explained, pointing to the symbols on the map. "Naturally, your current approach involves drilling and trenching along the ore body's dip direction from known mineralization points. There's nothing fundamentally wrong with that."
"If nothing's wrong, then what's the flaw?" Collier pressed impatiently.
"Have you noticed this north-south trending fault line on the map's eastern side?" Li Tang calmly continued.
"We're intimately familiar with that fault," someone interjected.
"I noticed all your current exploration efforts and your planned work for the next few years exclusively remain west of this critical fault line."
Li Tang clearly understood the Pebble Project's future history. According to Collier's current plan, exploration would gradually advance from west to east along the ore body's dip direction, eventually crossing this critical fault line. Such an approach wasn't technically flawed—it was simply time-consuming. Historically, the main ore body east of the fault wouldn't be discovered until three years later.
But Li Tang had no intention of wasting time and money exploring insignificant areas. His abrupt entry into this project had only one goal—to quickly earn substantial profits.
Normal logic and prudent exploration methodology came second.
"All visible mineralization is west of the fault, and no mineralization is evident to the east," Collier stated firmly, justifying their current exploration approach.
"I've studied nearly all significant porphyry copper deposits globally—no one understands porphyry copper-gold better than I do," Li Tang replied confidently. He glanced briefly at Cristos, "Freeport Copper & Gold's Grasberg mine—the largest copper-gold deposit globally—is also located along the Pacific Rim volcanic belt, the same belt as Pebble."
"The Pacific Rim volcanic belt extends over 40,000 kilometers. You can't possibly be familiar with every region," Collier scoffed dismissively.
"I've specifically studied geological and geophysical data for the Pacific Rim in Alaska," Li Tang asserted confidently—though privately aware he was bluffing. "East of this fault in the Pebble Project area, significant gravity and magnetic anomalies exist. I'm confident the primary copper-gold ore body lies precisely east of this fault."
"Is this insight from God?" someone mocked sarcastically.
"We haven't identified any mineralization east of the fault, and we still don't fully understand the western ore body. Clarifying continuity on the western side is our current priority. Once we confirm its extent, we might consider drilling eastward."
"You're offering mere speculation, without concrete data," others criticized skeptically.
Collier had a different idea, "If we follow your suggestion and it turns out wrong, we'd be wasting shareholder money. I could agree to revise our exploration plan according to your suggestion, but I must consider all shareholders' interests."
"I'll take full responsibility!" Li Tang vowed solemnly.
"How exactly will you be responsible?" Collier pressed further.
"If my proposed plan proves incorrect, I'll resign immediately and step down from the board," Li Tang promised earnestly.
"You'd still remain the largest shareholder," Collier persisted.
"Then let's add another condition. If we fail to discover at least ten million tonnes of copper east of the fault, I'll sell all my shares at half the prevailing market price!" Li Tang committed recklessly.
He knew precisely what lay beneath—ten million tonnes was entirely feasible.
Everyone stared in shock.
In over a decade since the Pebble discovery, they'd accumulated only one million tonnes of copper, with low grades. Discovering ten million tonnes would exceed their wildest hopes.
"Let's sign a written contract right now!" Collier laughed, exactly the outcome he'd sought.
"We'll revise the exploration plan according to your instructions," he shook Li Tang's hand, their relations abruptly warming.
…
Canada's capital markets were extraordinarily active.
Financial Post reporter Irwin had been extremely busy recently, covering the acquisition of French Pechiney Group by Canada's Alcan. Both corporations ranked among the world's leading aluminum giants, holding significant market shares in specialized, high-value packaging materials.
If their merger succeeded, mutual business prospects would improve significantly. Irwin had almost forgotten his former fascination with the mysterious Chinese entrepreneur, Li Tang.
It wasn't until Lucas contacted him again that he discovered the recent turbulence at Northern Dynasty Minerals had been engineered precisely by Li Tang—the enigmatic Chinese had arrived in Canada!
The Alcan-Pechiney merger was still uncertain, with no immediate resolution expected. Realizing he had ample free time now, Irwin quickly grabbed his cameraman and headed toward Northern Dynasty's offices.
When Collier saw reporters arrive, he wasn't surprised, given the recent takeover news. Still, their company was modest, rarely attracting substantial media attention. Upon learning Irwin represented the prestigious Financial Post, he was genuinely stunned.
"Mr. Collier, is your new investor the Chinese businessman Li Tang?" Irwin asked directly.
Collier had been preparing himself mentally for an important interview. But now, discovering Irwin's primary interest was Li Tang, he felt awkward.
"Aren't you here to interview me?" Collier asked, astonished.
"Is Li Tang here now?" Irwin pressed eagerly.
"He's here," Collier reluctantly gestured toward an internal director's office.
"Great, thanks!" Irwin hurried past Collier, rushing toward the office.
"Excuse me! We have sensitive materials inside!" Collier abruptly stopped Irwin, wary of the cameras. "Could you clarify your reporting focus?"
"I just want an interview with Li Tang!" Irwin anxiously craned his neck toward the office. "You must know what an extraordinary individual he is!"
"I do know him—but you'll still need his consent!" Collier snapped, feeling deeply slighted.
Everyone has self-respect. He was clearly the CEO, yet why was this reporter from the Financial Post not interviewing him, instead specifically requesting to interview that young Chinese guy?
"He discovered the Talego copper-gold deposit!" Erwin exclaimed.
"I know," Collier nodded.
"He also discovered the Qinglong copper mine, Qulong copper mine, and the Shazhai molybdenum mine!" Erwin shouted excitedly. "He's practically the god of the exploration world! Please give me the chance to interview him!"
The loud argument outside quickly drew the attention of more people.
Li Tang glanced outside and recognized Erwin. He had met him twice before—once in Duidé County, Tibet Province, and again in the Mining Resource Management Office in Yanjing.
When Katherine came into the office, he asked, "What's happening outside?"
"A reporter from the Financial Post wants to interview you, but Collier stopped him," Katherine answered.
Katherine was divorced, single, and her children weren't around. She felt like she had gained a new lease on life and thought herself still quite attractive. Admittedly, she dressed provocatively and had an impressive figure, though it seemed her young, wealthy boss hardly ever noticed.
"Interview me?" Li Tang immediately shook his head. "I won't accept interviews."
"I'll go tell Collier," Katherine said, twisting her hips as she walked out in high heels to inform Collier and Erwin that Li Tang would not give an interview.
Erwin looked disappointed, turning to Collier, "Sir, can I ask you a few questions then?"
"No!" Collier snapped. Had Erwin asked politely in the beginning, he would have happily obliged. But now he felt no interest in cooperating with the reporter.
"All right then." Seeing two robust security guards standing by, Erwin had no choice but to leave the office, taking his cameraman and waiting outside the entrance for half the day. Eventually, realizing Li Tang wasn't going to appear, he left.
Erwin arranged to meet Lucas.
Lucas gladly accepted, and Parker joined too. Both men had prior dealings with Li Tang through their exploration companies.
After some small talk, Lucas explained why he had originally called Erwin: "We've all met Li Tang before. Honestly, when I heard he had come here and invested in Northern Dynasty Minerals, I immediately called Collier, warning him not to cooperate with this Chinese guy. Unfortunately, it was already too late."
"You don't think he's worth cooperating with?" Erwin asked while jotting notes, as the cameraman recorded their conversation.
Unable to interview Li Tang directly, Erwin had to change his approach.
"The Gongcun copper-gold mine turned out to be a large-scale copper-gold deposit, with gold reserves exceeding a hundred tonnes!" Lucas lamented bitterly. Every time he thought about it, he felt frustrated. That mine had originally belonged to their Continental Mining Company. Then Li Tang came out of nowhere and snatched away their mining rights. How could he not be angry?
"I think he's just a thief who relies on help from local authorities. He doesn't really have any true talent," Lucas bluntly said.
"He's also quite savage!" Parker quickly chimed in with criticism.
"But as far as I know, besides Gongcun, Li Tang also discovered Talego, as well as several major deposits recently found in China," Erwin noted objectively, not entirely agreeing with their criticism, but dutifully recording their opinions. "Let's talk about the investment in Northern Dynasty Minerals."
"As far as I know, Northern Dynasty Minerals only has one mining property—the Pebble Project in Alaska," Lucas said. He usually kept up with industry news. "To be honest, I was quite interested in this project myself, but Collier got to it first."
"Now Collier has become that Chinese man's puppet," Parker said sharply.
"I doubt many shareholders of Northern Dynasty realize that the Cruiser Investment firm now controlling their company is actually run by that Chinese guy," Lucas sneered indignantly. "He doesn't understand exploration at all. He only knows how to speculate, and has no grasp of corporate management. At most, within three years, he'll lead Northern Dynasty Minerals into ruin."
Lucas looked directly into the camera, cautioning sternly, "Any shareholders of Northern Dynasty Minerals who hear this, I urge you to sell your shares immediately—you'll lose every cent if you don't."
Erwin was somewhat disappointed, unable to get much useful information from these two. Nonetheless, he quickly wrote an article upon returning to the editorial office. It briefly summarized Li Tang's past achievements, included criticisms from Lucas and Parker, and reviewed the mining-rights dispute involving the Gongcun copper-gold deposit.
The Financial Post was highly influential. Even minor articles drew significant attention. On the very day the story ran, several emotionally charged minor shareholders showed up at Northern Dynasty's office entrance, holding banners and chanting slogans.
"We refuse to be led by a Chinese!"
"Kick him out of our country! He'll steal our money!"
"We'll never live in humiliation!"
These individuals shouted slogans loudly at the entrance.
Collier sent someone down to negotiate, but since they couldn't be persuaded to leave, he simply ignored them, even feeling some malicious glee, since they weren't targeting him.
From his office window, Li Tang noticed their persistence, chanting all day. Yet he wasn't particularly concerned. After a few days discussing with Northern Dynasty staff and finalizing a revised exploration plan, he left Katherine in charge of monitoring the project and flew back to Yanjing himself.
Winter had arrived, and Alaska was now freezing—unsuitable for exploration work. Everything would have to wait until next year.
At year's end, Niu Fu had called him repeatedly, urging him to come quickly for important discussions.
Without even adjusting to the time difference, Li Tang hurried straight to the top floor of the Wu Mining Group building.
Besides Niu Fu, Ou Pingguo, Zhao Hepu, and Qin Jianshe, many others were also present—Chen Jinghe from Zise Mining, Li Xingchao from Shenxia Group, Cui Mingyuan from Luoyi Molybdenum, Lai Xiangrong from Hua Aluminum Corp, Feng Sinian from Jiujiang Copper, and Geng Feiran from Tongdu Nonferrous Metals.
As Li Tang arrived late, everyone stood up to greet him.
Observing the crowd, Li Tang quickly realized this was no ordinary meeting—it was actually Zhongcheng Mining's board meeting!
"You finally showed up," Chen Jinghe, who knew Li Tang the longest, greeted him with a warm smile.
"You've all been waiting for me?" Li Tang apologized to everyone with a nod.
"We've been waiting for days," Geng Feiran said good-naturedly, without blame. "Niu notified us to come to Yanjing. After arriving, we discovered you weren't even here—you were off in the U.S. or Canada."
"We waited three days for you!" Li Xingchao scolded him publicly as a senior figure, finding Li Tang's behavior inappropriate. "Don't let it happen again!"
"I'm really sorry. I intended to fly back three days ago, but there was a disagreement over project plans there, causing some delay," Li Tang explained sheepishly. He genuinely hadn't known these busy executives had been waiting in Yanjing for three days solely for him.
Under normal circumstances, these executives would wait at most ten minutes before leaving due to their tight schedules. It was only due to Li Tang's importance and Zhongcheng Mining's significant role that they patiently waited, setting aside their other commitments.
Niu Fu glared coldly at Li Tang, thinking to himself: This guy really thinks he's a superstar!
"I heard from Director Ren that you recently transferred nearly 200 million yuan overseas through him. What's going on?" Niu Fu demanded.
"I invested in a junior exploration company in Canada—a publicly listed one. Their project, however, is located in Alaska," Li Tang admitted guiltily, offering a polite smile.
Actually, everyone had already roughly learned this news over the past few days.
"Didn't you just discover a 1.2 billion-ton iron ore deposit in Australia? Why are you off exploring in Alaska again?" Geng Feiran asked in surprise.
"You're wasting money! Instead of investing domestically, you go to the U.S. to fund exploration projects," Lai Xiangrong sharply criticized, holding a large tea mug. "They say America is a free, beautiful country, but in reality, they'll chew you up and spit you out. Be careful of those capitalist sharks."
"You're like a monkey, jumping around constantly, never resting."
"What exactly is that project about? Does it have any potential?"
The group threw comments at him one after another, not giving Li Tang a chance to respond, leaving him to just sit silently.
"Alright! The U.S. project is your own business. Anyone interested can discuss it privately later." Niu Fu finally took charge, looking stern. "Li Tang, you're Chairman and General Manager of Zhongcheng Mining, but you're never focused on one task. This meeting should have been organized by you, but since you neglected it, I had to step in."
"I've been running around all year," Li Tang said apologetically.
"Gentlemen, through our joint efforts, Zhongcheng Mining has secured the mining rights for Talego," Niu Fu began formally. "I've discussed with higher-ups, and we all believe it's crucial to start development soon."
He presented a preliminary proposal, stating, "China imports around a million tonnes of copper annually. Developing a 500,000-tonne-per-year copper mine would significantly reduce our dependence on foreign suppliers."
After some discussion, everyone quickly agreed unanimously to develop Talego.
Everyone raised their hands approvingly.
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