RE:Game planThe only reason I can see that you would have a combination of majors joining forces to JV Casino is for risk mitigation. Both RIO and NEM are multi billion dollar mining conglomerates with ample access to capital to finance a 2+ billion project capex. Both of them have plenty of experience in mining materials. Either company could obtain (RIO gold experts, NEM copper experts) human resources to help with the mining of the metal they lack experience in.
But, if the majors know exactly what they potentially have with Casino, why would they want to share the profits with a JV partner? If any major has the capacity to mine Casino, it boils down to if they are comfortable with the NPV profiles. If you are comfortable with the return, why muddy the waters by getting a JV involved? I think it will be better for both the acquirer and we shareholders to end up in a bidding war for a winner takes all scenario,