As I said, at this stage it will be a merger. Its not a matter of getting it cheaply. Its what's in the best interest of shareholders of both companies, as determined by management of both companies. Individual shareholders of each company will then decide if they believe its in their own interest.
So a merger will likely be proposed, unless circumstances dictate otherwise. EAR and MKO shareholders can then make up their own mind as to whether to support it.
If it doesn't go ahead, then EAR will be run as a producer while MKO will be a toll treatment company treating EAR's ore plus everyone else's. Not as good a result (in my opinion), but still a big win for both companies. And I will own shares in both companies by then.