From the Noront website:

"Development of the Eagle’s Nest Mine will also require a variety of federal and provincial permits, licenses and authorizations which will be acquired upon completion of the federal and provincial environmental assessments."

I know this specifically refers to the mine, but do you think that the EA may be the prime factor which is holding up progress from all fronts. It would appear that no one wants to agree to anything. First there is Noront who do not want to spend anymore money on something which could be shot down do to EA disapproval, eventhough this likehood would seem remote. Second, the FN want proof that their territories are not going to become a wasteland should they agree to allow permits and mines to open, so they are also on the fence. Third, we have the government who know the EA is fine, but do not have the cojones to divulge this due to political jousting, which is ultimately holding everything up so that it can be used to build their platforms for next election.

All alternate views are welcomed, for there are probably other factors at play here that I have not addressed.

TM.