swan blocks chinese takeover of oz mine, page-17

Geoffrey10...

Of Ozminerals I know very little, of politics I know somewhat more.

The government as you correctly say is a representative of the people, and therefore must act in the national interest.

That may well be in conflict with the interest of shareholders, but that's life.

It's very sad nonetheless to see shareholders lose their money.

This is pure speculation, but BHP has been getting cashed up with the issue of company bonds. I don't believe the money is really necessary for the day to day running of the company. Acquisitions, perhaps?