"buying AIS at this stage like buying a bar of gold and putting...

"buying AIS at this stage like buying a bar of gold and putting it in your locker for a rainy day"
you're absolutely correct.

the unknown becomes known
the dirt cheap with highest potential becomes attractive
the unloved becomes a love one
and the last becomes the first to run.
Ais proves to be a safe harbour in a stormy/rainny day.

Regarding to the 5M cost Ais could choose to raise capital at cheaper price but I think the decision will dammage investor's confident to question Ais's ability to pay off its debt.

I really want Ais to produce as much as it could and spend the money to explore the greenfield assets around Olympic Dam.
Ais will recieve 100M for greenfield exploration from the government.

http://www.pitcher.com.au/news/unpa...-incentive-what-will-it-mean-junior-explorers

For the trade war I believe explorers are in good position to ride out the storm.