rio is hungry for more, page-11

Thanks Westcott,

My point was in response to proviso's post that RIO now have this 'war chest'. I believe that a Co as successful as RIO are constantly looking at strategic moves and just because the SMH has reported this $US13 Bil ($AU2.50 ha ha) doesn't make them any closer or further away from running the ruler over SDL.

I'm fairly sure RIO wouldn't be a SDL partner in west africa they would be a swooper and try to take the whole thing if they wanted it.

My take on them going to have a look at Mbalam is that it can only be good for SDL's position in finding a JV funding partner as the Chinese may see RIO as a realistic competitor to them partnering SDL and may move sooner to secure the rights. Blind Freddie can see that SDL must be sick of being held to ransom with the big IO Co's so it makes sense for them to get in on the ground floor and supply a % of their needs to themselves.

Ben

soho, i'll give you the 2 second answer that your post commands:
A) bird in the hand is worth looking at
B) preferred option but constantly re assess.