They ceded half of their undeveloped claims which is not the same as half the company. It will have no effect on their profits in the near term although it does mean that they will run out of ore sooner than planned. However considering the incompetence of the locals it is not likely they will be able to do much with it and it will likely end up being given back to Sinosteel. Sounds more like a political move to keep the people happy than anything.