It could increase its stake still further, launch a full bid for Rio itself or hope that an even higher offer from BHP will enable it to walk away with a handsome profit.

• 它可以进一步增加股票持有数量，发起对必拓的全盘收购或将其所购得的力拓股票以更高价卖给必和必拓，以获得丰厚的利润。