Let's remember too, that China has a large controlling stake in Teck after the Fording fiasco. Not to be stereotypical, but I believe asian mentality in the world of business and commodities is looking at the next decade or two, not next year, or the year after that.
I agree that the sheepishness in the last couple of years, reluctance to invest in resources, and lack of high quality projects in general is going to lead to significant shortages and drive metal prices up quickly in the coming years. I think, and am hopeful that interest in projects will precede that upward trend in metals. I think if Teck weren't interested in developing Schaft Creek, they would have walked a long time ago. I agree it will be sooner or later. The only question is, "when is later?"