Putting Thalanga on C&M would cost big time - paying out staff...

Putting Thalanga on C&M would cost big time - paying out staff (redundancies, entitlements), loss of producing income, then down the track having to recruit again which has associated risks such as key people moving on to somewhere else. In addition the actual costs associated with restarting the plant. Not to mention putting more pressure on the already burgeoning welfare system.

Depleting precious resources at the low commodity prices is not desirable but might be the best option still at present. With other mines already shut or shutting places RVR in a better position to keep going. TC's are lowering and exchange rates are favourable. Increase in demand down the track will underpin prices.

Meanwhile RVR keeps chipping away at restarting Hillgrove.