But as more juniors flock to the area and more drills turn, the potential for conflict with First Nations Groups in the area is growing. There are five native communities in the area - Webique, Marten Falls, Lansdowne House, Attawapiskat and Kasabonica - and some confusion about how far the influence of each community extends.

So far, the companies involved have agreed to minimize airborne surveys and other flying operations during First Nations' wild game harvests in the spring and fall, and provide ongoing consultation. These efforts have gone a long way to smooth relations between the two groups.

"We have worked very well with the companies and there has been a close dialogue with a number of them to address our concerns and issues with respect to traditional pursuits by our members," says Chief Scott Jacob of the Webique First Nation. "We will play a major role ( in the development of the camp) because we are situated in the play ans we are already exploring some potential opportunities."

"We've had good discussions with both Webique and Marten Falls," concurs Neil Novak, vice-president of corporate and aboriginal affairs for Noront. ACcording to Novak, Webique is proposing to provide fuel to explorers at lower cost than what they are paying now, while Marten Falls is investigating upgrading a winter trail to the community to a winter road, then extending the road to McFauld's Lake, about 190 km farther.

But MacDonald's McKinnon says recent arrivals to the area with little negotiating experience could upset the fine balance, while some of the communities are demanding too much, too early in the exploration game.