"It may yet happen that Cliffs will get so frustrated ( with their high-handed approach to Native issues) that they will just sell out and,put their tail between their legs and go back south. JMHO."

Anything is possible as they didn't spend much money up there in the first place picking up FWR and SPQ for lunch money. However, I think this to be strategic for them and I wouldn't think of them letting it go to their competition that easily regardless of what veiled threats they may utter in the interim. This find is huge and it's not just the Cr they will mine up there. Would that we could know what they do.