Overall I think this development is very positive for Noront.
All in all I think it was a brilliant move for Noront to present the community-based angle of the East-West route even though it is more expensive.
It saves them from the wrath of the First Nations and allows them sit back and wait to see if a cheaper route get Government support. This has been accomplished.
Another huge benefit with the North South Route, is that is supports that Chromite operations that Noront will be persuing in the future. BaoSteel must be very pleased to see that their investment (in Noront's Chromite) is moving along better than expected with a huge increase in the resource and now Government asistance in the infrastructure.
It's a good thing that RCF is now on involved because if they were not Baosteel would have a huge position of power and we could see more cheap financing or a buyout.
Instead, this sets up for a huge loan or pre-purchase of ore from BaoSteel in return for cash to Noront to build their Nickel operations.
Just my thoughts,
JDR