russians ... more rumour

From today's Sydney Morning Herald:

The word from Perth mining circles is a long-awaited takeover bid for Consolidated Minerals could be lodged within the next fortnight. It is believed former BHP Billiton chief executive Brian Gilbertson and some Russian investors will move to secure its world-class manganese assets and could sell the nickel division afterward. It isn't Gilbertson's first run-in with ConsMin. The legendarily acquisitive South African mining boss was also in contact with the company in 2005. The pair attempted to put together a joint venture to purchase a stake in Gina Rinehart's Hope Downs iron ore project, but lost out to Rio Tinto.