"In other words, a framework agreement is a general term for...

"In other words, a framework agreement is a general term for agreements with suppliers which set out terms and conditions under which specific purchases (call-offs) can be made throughout the term of the agreement.... The benefit of this kind of agreement is that, because authorities are not tied to the agreements, they are free to use the frameworks when they provide value for money, but to go elsewhere if they do not. "

if this is the case, the other possibility is a "strategic investment", whereby a bigger company could be looking to throw some money on the table to get the mine operational in return for some fixed pricing contracts.