In 1995, Bre-X Minerals, a tiny Canadian mining firm, struck gold. Deep in the heart of the Borneo jungle, it discovered what appeared to be one of the world's largest and most cost-effective gold deposits. Almost immediately, the firm's stock price shot upwards and its managers were besieged by eager investors and would-be partners. They also became mired in the relationship-based politics of Indonesia. To mine the gold, and reap the benefits, Bre-X management must establish several critical relationships with financial partners outside Indonesia and with political and business partners inside the country. Yet figuring out with whom to ally itself is no easy task. The case describes how Bre-X's management reviews its options and evaluates the strategic advantages and risks of key relationships.