Options could include a friendly deal with BHP Billiton or Rio Tinto on the multibillion-dollar expansion of the Olympic Dam copper/uranium mine in South Australia. Chinese and Russians interests could play a similar role. Such a deal would free group cash flow to pursue other growth opportunities in mineral sands and nickel. Xstrata acquired MIM with an uncontested bid of $1.72 a share. That is not expected to be the case with WMC and Xstrata's rejected offer of $6.35 a share. WMC has long been under the watchful eye of what WMC insiders refer to as the three ugly sisters - BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto and South Africa's Anglo American. Each could comfortably outgun Xstrata should they decide to take it on.