But the point is, it's not. It looks incredibly similar, and "everyone" looks at the keys, barrel, mechanism etc and assumes the vast numbers of posts saying you can't get them anyware must be wrong, and then spends weeks trying to find something that will fit...
The problem is they're third or more generation pattern parts, so they just look similar, but that's it. (Trust me, I didn't believe it either and tried for months, I even had the local locksmiths trying all their different suppliers - I showed them the threads on here and told them I'd order loads if they could find them.
Note, this is the case for recently supplied ignition/steering locks, as supplied over the last few years or so, early ones may well not be a problem.
That said, if you're prepared to buy the complete ignition/steering lock assembly with fresh keys, they are readily available through Mini (original) spares places. Not crazy money either. I couldn't guarantee you wouldn't have the same key issue with them though!