I have seen comment elsewhere wondering whether it is...

I have seen comment elsewhere wondering whether it is significant that the words "non-binding" as used in the announcement.

Heads of agreement are rarely intended to be binding: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heads_of_Agreement_(law)

I think the fact that Newcrest have extended the HOA twice since the NZPAM fluffed around on the Rahu mining permit extension that Newcrest mean business with the HOA. Just my view.