Furniture the link is in centrenow's post that started the...

Furniture the link is in centrenow's post that started the thread - but you need to be a WSJ member to read the relevant parts.

The main comparison is in this paragraph:

"This month, a company owned by New Zealand's Todd family backed construction of a railroad to transport iron ore from an Australian mine proposed by Flinders Mines.   They hope to emulate Australian mining entrepreneur Andrew Forrest, who built a $5.2 billion fortune in a decade by transforming Fortescue Metals Group from a tiny explorer into the world's fourth-largest iron-ore producer."

Todd only owns 32 to 35% of the whole infrastructure deal.  RTA owns the majority - 65 to 68%, and its not just to transport Flinders' iron ore but Rutila's iron-vanadium-titanium ore from its Balla Balla project, located right on the coast and right next to the proposed port.

Also there will be excess capacity and RTA are working on signing a second foundation customer in addition to FMS.

The port has all native title, heritage, Department of Mines approvals etc - now just waiting on approval to build the railway.

Todd's ownership will increase as they contribute more funds to get the show on the road ie another $36 million for the next 7.5% interest as per their option agreement with RTA.

Todd is worth $4 to$5 billion - private company so hard to figure out exactly.