If RML took over GRZ rather than KRY the obvious difference is that GRZ has free cash; KRY has little cash and what it has would vanish when a T/O triggered a repayment of KRY's debts. RML has debts coming due itself soon and GRZ's cash would be very handy to tide it over.

Another reason is that GRZ still has a new 35k tpd mill specifically designed for LB ore, partly paid for and due for delivery this year. That is bigger than KRY's 20k tpd project and that mill will handle both LC and LB ore and produce copper and gold.

The copper issue was always a sticking point with LC and regardless of the grades, economics and feasibility, the politics say that it should be processed and recovered and not thrown out in the tailings. The mill that GRZ has coming can achieve that and RML might be the "favored partner" but they still would like to stay on the right side of Hugo.