Perhaps there are indeed some "clear benefits" to having a third...

Perhaps there are indeed some "clear benefits" to having a third party involved, as you've pointed out. However, it raises a pertinent question: if there are indeed such "clear benefits" (your words, not mine), why has JZ only decided to engage their services now, after four years of failed attempts to negotiate a deal? Something must have shifted, or was he simply unaware of those "clear benefits" all this time?

Let's just cut the bullsh*t though, shall we? The investment bank's involvement is most likely due to their coordination of an imminent cap raise, along with likely orchestrating a significant debt deal to kickstart the 10 ktpa expansion. Despite the optimism expressed by many regarding Stage 3 being fully funded through a prepaid offtake investment from a strategic partner, it's glaringly evident that it's not going to happen. Hence, the motion for an additional 10% placement facility and the enlistment of an investment bank to navigate the funding challenges.