Good insight Rodg. What is your assessment of each of say BHP, Xstrat, Teck, Sherritt, and Western Areas and others as potential suitors or Partners with NOT ?  While CVRD and Norilsk have the deep pockets for long term value, they seem unlikely to want to carry a JV partner. I point to the BHP/ Anglo Potash JV as the type of deal that warms my heart as a long term win/win. There are others such as Franco Nevada, but this would not seem to fit their core vision. These are observations, and would welcome your asessment. Since the capital commitment looks to be in the several $billions, there appears to be better options for a long term JV than for an outright sale. As well, a Canadian company can generally offer all or part in a tax free share for share exchange that will be attractive to many serious long term investors. These concepts have been aired here before but current thinking would be useful ESPECIALLY IN THE LIGHT OF THESE CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS.