"I would think that even if a mineral resource was found under a completed rail/road right of way, that it would not take long to decide to move it a mile left or right to facilitate the mine construction. In some south american countries they have moved entire towns."

I'm sure that is a good possibility, but at that time the movement of the rail line would be at the expense of that mining company and their new mine. But prior to that the least amount of money could be spent for the initial placement of the line.

In contrast, if a mine was staked by another company first, then they would have to build a rail line in another location, possibly adding to costs for extra length and engineering design.....

pymmer