This isn't a major announcement for KWG in particular, but it is for mining/exploration companies in general. Juniors have struggled with the costs of consultations and Environmental Assessments, and this rule change can only help.

There is an election coming, and when the campaigns swing into action we may see actual concrete progress that at least promises shovels in the ground. Harper isn't going to make a commitment to $1 billion in spending without ensuring he, personally & his Party, will get the maximum possible benefit from that.

As to the CLF case, they have 60 days after 2nd March to reply to KWG's case, and if they decide to continue their dog-in-the-manger tactics, the court hearing of the Appeal of the Appeal will take place some time after, some time between May and year end.

This all could be moot if, for example, someone buys CLFs ROF assets or puts money into a pipeline project along the esker. Remember the ruling was that CLF needn't get KWG permission to build a private road across the esker claims. There is nothing in that ruling that says KWG has to get anyone's permission to build a pipeline across those same claims, apart from normal & expected Environmental studies etc.