Because it's all ultimately for sale. EXT is a relatively...

Because it's all ultimately for sale. EXT is a relatively expensive proposition for a T/O aspirant given its still technically an explorer, although at 3-7$billion its modest by recent resource deals being done in Australia alone, and that's the price range that might ultimately get up in the current investment climate. EXT is past the point of no return in that even at its current base valuations it would dwarf the much-touted Areva deal. Consequently the company needs to prove that it will be worth the ultimate price ticket. DFS and resource upgrades in the next 4 months or so will lock in the prima facie size/values needed to cement sovereign/corporate investment. RIO is very close to losing this one to foreign control. Personally I couldn't give a donald who gets it. I've been here before with PDN and others over the years, once the resource number goes past 550-600million ilbs (which it easily will) and the dfs has defined the operational realities, its a much easier cost pill to swallow for our Asian/Indian/Russian mates. As for Rio, 15% might just get you reserved parking at Corporate HQ