BDM Daily SP Discussion, page-418

I don't think they will need much to take it on. Rio are spending money on care and maintenance and will just want it gone. It will be a distressed sale. The funding issue will be to progress to project. With Champion I believe he was able to finance a decent chuck.

The big miners don't take much risk, they let the little guy do all the leg work to sure up a project then swoop in. Don't overlook it just because RIO want out. For the big miners to divest it would normally mean they have better options for their investment dollars. It won't mean the project isn't viable.

The downstream and consumer sales that could be the key to making it work. If you can improve the profit margin with high end jewellery sales by 20% - 30% you will be getting a better return than Rio ever could selling rough. Knowing a few at Rio and the bureaucracy they deal with, I also have no doubt they can run a leaner operation than Rio could ever imagine.

Kim Truter - Chief Operating Officer of Rio Tinto Diamonds
Sean Whiteford - 13 years with the Rio Tinto Group
Jeremy Taylor - Rio Tinto Diamonds

If this is the one, these 3 gentlemen might know a thing or two about it.