RE:RE:RE:RE:BHP I see that the NEM merger with Newcrest may be in limbo or not. If it pans out, sure that may put NEM out of play for a year. Casino doesn't have to be sold today though. The longer we sit on our gold the more value we receive from the optionality of gold.
In the meantime, Paul and the BoD have to stick to their guns and not entertain any lowball offers whilst the prospect for a bidding war may be diminished. I am sure he is wise to the games that the majors play when cherry-picking the times to pull the trigger on a merger.
Casino is worth in excess of $10 USD a share (I won't crunch any numbers again for brevity sake) and RIO can probably swing that in the absence of a bidding war or wait and the price will go up. I believe Paul said it best when he told RIO the best price you'll ever get is now.