"You make some very good points. If as per your comment, the iron ore price is US80/t (say A$95/t) for next 10-20 years, then Royal has no chance at its stated break even cost of ~A$99/t.
Not sure why Royal says it would be a low cost producer??"
Not exactly correct. US$80/t (AU$95/t) spot price is base on 62% iron fine. ROY wants to produce 67% iron, that extra 5% iron usually get $2-5/% ($10-$25/t more than spot price). So ROY can probably get AU$105-130/t (if spot price stays at US$80/t for 62% iron). FMG produces 58% iron fine, so they sell discount to spot price iron.
So at moment margin for ROY is small but is that enough to start a NEW mine? Margin is still better than AGO, GBG, GRR and many Chinese miners. Further, if AU dollars drop further than miners here will be more profitable.
Just IMHO, DYOR
MFE Price at posting:
3.5¢ Sentiment: None Disclosure: Not Held