this is serious lets hope, page-72

I have read the other threads now - Maybe Showman (Tony) has some valid thoughts re FMG. Notwithstanding it is wet marra mamba - if they are thinking ahead - some further reasonable grade ore would be handy - for blending and marketing purposes - as the relatively thin Namuldi member marra mamba ore at Cloud Break & Christmas Creek is always going to be more challenging grade wise than the thicker Mt Newman marra member (at Railway, Mining Area C, Hope Downs, Wets Angeles). And the Solomon area ore looks even more challenging grade wise - and would likely attract a price discount.

120km to their existing rail line could justify a rail spur - and also provide extra tonnage for their underutilised infrastructure. They would be hoping to find some more tonnes on the UMC tenements though - with some blue sky if UMC have a legal case re the Karijini tenements - which have known resources.

Whilst FMG not in a strong position to make cash bid, I expect that they would be very wary about any scrip merger or bid - as this would require full prospectus disclosure on their current position which they would prefer to avoid. Maybe with a finance facility at corporate level from Chinese? Who knows.

FMG's best deal would be to agree to carry ore from Hancock's +1bt Roy Hill deposit on reasonable terms. Although i doubt Twiggy and Gina would get in bed together - and FMG has probably been seeking a cut of the deposit. Crazy as it seems - more likely, Hancock will get one of the major Asian mills (Korean, Japanese or Chinese) as cornerstone to back the construction of own rail line (right next to FMG's!!) and new port at Port Hedland. Hancock have had berth area, rail line rights reserved for a long time.

Can't wait to find out who it is.