Good question, knucle. My guess is the additional time required...

Good question, knucle. My guess is the additional time required to obtain the specialist technical evaluations and complete in-house analysis before re-opening the Partner Selection process could be another few months. We will probably get a clue in the QR shortly, or at least a nice new Timeline diagram for the AGM preso. However, I suspect most here will treat it as pinch of salt stuff. Personally, as posted, I can see the justification for missing the deadline for Rafa Appraisal this year, but I totally get why everyone has their knickers in a twist.
The bottom line for Tom is he’s nil-all in extra time and needs to actually score rather than boast about which minute he’s planning on it. He has bids for Ungani in front of him and the only thing I can think of that might delay that decision is if those bidders are now being offered Rafa Shallow into the bargain, but either way, he simply must have one or more deals in the bag for the AGM.