RE:RE:Grid connection I agree. I think that's ridiculous to assume Rio not interested unless connected to grid. Once again, I'll state my ignorance from a mining infrastructure standpoint...but we all have heard that phase 1 is 27 years and is 1/3 the metal content.
Again, we also heard payback is 3 years on the capex. If they also pay $900M for WRN ...that's probably another couple years...so they get another 20 years in phase 1 of mining after payback of investment. Now ...let's also assume connected to grid in 2035....and mine starts production in 2030, wouldn't they realize the benefit to financials for similar 20 or so years. I mean they could start with current energy infrastructure plan and then retrofit after...correct???
then they would also have entirety of the remaining mine life (I think another 40 years) connected to grid.
The point being is I don't think it's all or nothing and this sound at worst be a very good upside benefit to whatever negotiations are taking place now. Does anyone really think casino will be operating mine before 2030 even if Rio acquired today?? I find that highly unlikely with how long projects like this seem to take...