Baseless - they have close to 12 months of throughput already mined sitting on the ROM pad - this dirt will be converted to $$$ regardless of the copper price and the revenue $$$ will go back towards paying off the loans to Minsheng Sino and other creditors.
After that it starts to get difficult with the decision of when to return to mining - after all the debts have been repaid a decision 'could " be taken to leave the copper in the ground and put the plant on care and maintenance until the copper price improves - The Chinese are very patient and (IMO) have no inclination for dividends as a priority.
"I imagine that circumstances put them in the unenviable position in which they are placed."
Penny - I suspect you are correct - many were waiting for the signal to sell when W.M sells -
CDU Price at posting:
43.5¢ Sentiment: None Disclosure: Held