The dividend payout is an indication of confidence in their cash flows.

The Chinese are saying we won't give in without a fight, and they don't want to back down.

The biggest uncertainties before today were operational costs and iron ore prices. With costs out of the way, all eyes are now on the iron ore outcomes.

If they do get it into production before the end of the year they could get a good half of production in 2006-07.

It's a bit down on people's expectations, but there wasn't any nasty surprises in there.