I could be way off base, but this may be part of the reason EVG has said Carlin exploration budgets will be close to the Rattlesnake budget. It could be that they are trying to force Newmont to make a decision early. If the $3.5 million number is accurate, and they spend say a minimum of $2.5 million this summer, that means Newmont would be required to spend $12 million for 51 % and a total of $21 million for the full 70%. While that isn't much to a company like Newmont, it might be enough for them to want a speedy timetable and would be enough to significantly advance the project, likely to full feasibility.

The other side is that EVG will eventually need a JV with someone to take the property to production anyway. While the terms they end up with from Newmont might not be the best possible, at least they know the area well and have the capability of being the operator on a big project.

And I think I read that EVG has picked up an additional 1750 acres of claims in the area on their own which would be on top of the 30% (should it all play out that way)