It may be a simpler scenario as well. BHP had the option to extend the deadline to tender, so they are using it.

The objective of their discussion with Wyloo might be to avoid the back and forth bids of five to twenty cents at a time, and at the same time look for indication from Wyloo on if they would back off, and at what price.

Wyloo might be playing the part of a tease entertaining these discussions? Who knows....