Financial news outlets were blaring out headlines and lead stories about an alleged agreement between the government of Mongolia and Rio Tinto (RIO) and Turquoise Hill (TRQ) concerning Oyu Tolgoi, the rich mineral resource in the country.
While it would be welcome news to investors if this is in fact the case, I will wait until I hear very clearly from Rio CEO Sam Walsh on his take in the deal.
Just recently Walsh stated very clearly that the final offer was on the table, and it's a check to me that he has been very quiet after the supposed blockbuster announcement from Mongolia’s Prime Minister Saikhanbileg, that past hindrances to the project have been resolved and the project is cleared to move ahead.
If that was really the case, it's very puzzling that there are no confirmations of this outside of a small story and line from Sky News in Australia, which asserted Walsh confirmed the story.
To me, this is too big of a story and impetus for it to be ignored by Rio and Turquoise Hill, if indeed a deal has been made.
This is especially true after Walsh said just a little over a week ago thatnegotiations had reached the critical stage, with the major issues left to be faced. It's puzzling to believe it took that long to fix a number of smaller issues, and in a short week the major issues have quickly been resolved. It's possible, but highly unlikely.
More on Oyu Tolgoi, Turquoise Hill and Rio Tinto
No comments:
Post a Comment