Phew , there are so many questions in that post

Firstly I think that control ( using the pub test ) was already handed to Hartree a while back .
Hartree is the secured creditor , the largest shareholder , and has 100% open ended off take agreement . Oh, and they also have a board seat which Im guessing would be at the head of the table

Them taking more shares actually doesnt give them any more
practical control than they already have. Shareholders , including the majors would have formed this view long ago.
Secondly , but more importantly , I would argue that Hartree actually has a growing problem in that their involvement is getting deeper both in time and money.
Hartree would be looking at this in terms of proper and best use of capital. Money sitting in Mallee , even at 10-15% interest , is likely to be earning far less than the daily trading of minerals world wide. Its not their business - Off takes are.
The major shareholders would have plenty of opportunity to seek advice, chat to the BOD, and no doubt have always been well ahead of what has come to pass.
take care
cheers