Hey Goldfinger, heard there's a hidden canyon up north that might be packed with rare quartz. I’ve mapped a path through it and think we could dig up a chunk of it—could be a good way to turn a rugged adventure into a profitable venture. What’s your take on that?

I’d say we’re looking at maybe 3 to 4 tons of quartz if the canyon’s right. The drill‑up will cost around $15,000 for the rig and crew, plus $2,000 for permits and transport gear. Hauling it out from the canyon will be another $8,000 in fuel, trucks, and labor. That brings the total to roughly $25,000 to $27,000. If the quartz sells for about $300 a ton on the market, we’re looking at a net of $300 to $400 per ton after costs, so around $900 to $1,200 profit for the haul. Sound good enough to grab a drink and get moving?

You’re right, that line‐up ain’t cutting it. I’m thinking we push the haul to six tons, slash the drill cost by renting a smaller rig and doing the work ourselves—should drop that to about $8,000. If we can swing the quartz to $350 a ton, that’s $2,100 a ton before costs, so we’re looking at $12,600 total gross. After $8,000 drill, $8,000 haul, we’re at $12,600 minus $16,000 = –$3,400? No, I’d negotiate a better sale price with the buyers—maybe $450 a ton if the quality’s good—then we’re up to $18,900 gross. Subtracting $16,000 gives $2,900 profit. That’s a win if we get the price. If we can’t get the higher price, I’ll look for a canyon with twice the quartz density. Sound like a plan?