RE:mongolian divided You hit on the elephant in the room. Will the GOM sell or forego their share of OT in exchange for higher royalties and an earlier payout? Given their current financial crisis they may not be wont to take on another US$2B in debt over the next 3-5 years for underground development.
Since TRQ carries the GOM's debt RIO might be keeping their powder dry incase the GOM's share comes on the market. I'd prefer the GOM keep their interest as it will pay dividends to them for 50 to 100 years though that didn't keep them from stalling the project.for 3 years. They've been a poor and unstable partner that choked the golden goose. I guess that should be expected in developing countries.
TRQ continues to be a value play. IMO