dots keep getting joined...

Seems more and more evidence to support the inevitable deal between NKP and Xstrata keeps getting put up"

http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE62423W20100305?sp=true
LONDON (Reuters) - Swiss-based commodity trader Glencore GLEN.UL bought back its prized Prodeco coal operations in Colombia from mining group Xstrata (XTA.L) and is seeking

The purchase price -- based on a formula in an option -- still has to be finalised as it is partly based on capital Xstrata spent on the mines and Prodeco's earnings, but analysts estimate it will be around $2.5 billion to $2.7 billion.

Xstrata said it would use the cash for its growth programme, due to result in a 50 percent jump in volumes by 2014.

The statement reassured some investors who were worried the firm would splash out on a takeover, such as buying up the remaining 75 percent of No. 3 platinum firm Lonmin (LMI.L) that it does not already own, Rawlinson said.

"We do not believe management wants to test the balance sheet or the patience of its shareholders having only recently returned to a state of financial repair," he said.


Now refer to Xstrata's statement above about a 50% jump in volumes by 2014 to its most recent statement from its half year reports only weeks ago

Alloys
Xstrata Alloys benefits from low capital cost, brownfield expansion options in its chrome and platinum
operations.

Platinum production from Eland is expected to double to 300,000 ounces of platinum in 2014 through its
expansion into a major underground mine with the sinking of the Western Decline commencing this year. In
addition, Xstrata Alloys continues to assess its medium to long term PGM growth options through the
development of its exploration portfolio with emerging junior BEE companies.


The lines are always consistent from the company and reflect a CLEAR UNFETTERED DECISION PATH. There is, to the best of my knowledge, no evidence of a change or move away from Xstrata's intentions with NKP.

There is always a risk of a negative outcome, the IMPACT of which would be large (in the ST), but one cant look at that alone without assessing the likelihood of it being negative, which is ever so miniscule.

Happy investing ppls