BHP wanted to ensure that APG remained self supporting while...

BHP wanted to ensure that APG remained self supporting while test work and plant constuction is undertaken.

Remember....albeit BHP is there for APG it is not the whole of BHP....just one division and every department and manager has a budget.

If this was not put in place APG could blow all its working capital on a gold play or on aglomeration with another major then keep heading back to BHP for a top up.

BHP do have the funds however they are acting in a sensible business like fashion and that is limiting its exposure until it is convinced the technology works.

Cheers