Good detective work on your part BUT Barrick is unlikely to kick any tires until such time as an exploration company actually produces drill core indicating a deposit of interest to them. Barrick, imho, just doesn't enter an area until some 'proof' is on the table.

Cliffs however are acting differently from what you'd expect a 'major' to behave. You have to believe that they know enough 'proof' is available to ensure a major chromite mine AND infrastructure is pretty much a 'slam dunk'. Once the big guys realize what Cliffs are stealing from them they might pile in and then we can really enjoy the trading action.