I have a few peeves with that editorial:

"Noront’s Eagle’s Nest nickel–copper–PGM massive sulphide project is the second most advanced project in the area after Chromite, though it could be in production sooner because it’s much smaller, and doesn’t involve finicky chromite markets."

Noront's IS most advanced, period. That is one of the reasons why it is possible for it to be first to production. Other aspect is that it doesn’t involve finicky Environmental issues. Combined with Noront did it`s home work with respect to natives etc.

Then there are these:
"KWG is proposing building a lower-cost rail line into the Ring of Fire"
"However, even if more expensive, a road would be far more helpful"
This author either does not know enough or just got it backwards.
Road is the one least expensive to build but more expensive to transport with.

Geeeez, beware reporters!