Yes the Rossing mine has been processing ore for decades (about 35 years I think) and yes if RIO was to take over EXT then they could very quickly be processing ore from Rossing South.
In a short time they could be trucking ore to their existing plant whilst they build a conveyor from Rossing South to their processing plant. The conveyor would allow the ore to brought to their processing plant more cheaply than by truck.
RIO (theoretically) could offer more than others because they need not build a processing plant and that cost saving can be used to up their bid. Also, they would not have years of no-cash-flow whereas another bidder would.
However, RIO probably would no go it alone. If they were to make a take-over it would more likely be as part of a group, perhaps with the Chinese and/or with Areva, Westinghouse or Kepco.
EXT Price at posting:
$7.53 Sentiment: Buy Disclosure: Held
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