Kennnr, I think you misunderstand Noront's position regarding access to the Ring. Not that I am of any authority or pvivilege regarding the subject.

Noront at initial stages of the feasibility study looked all all possible methods of implementing transportation to the Ring. All of that knowlege even if not all incorporated in the final product is not lost. So there is no speed involved in accepting some variant of infrastructures for the Ring.

I suspect Noront did have some serious discussions with Cliffs, KWG and others about partnerships towards
transportation. I also suspect that the doors are still wide open for any discussion or partnership with KWG and their associates.
This is too big an issue for any possibility to be set asside or ignored. We all are desperate, if only our governments and communities were as much.

Just look at the broad band internet issue. Is that really essential? Is it more important than having bread and butter on the table for half the current price by means of cheaper transportation? To me this is a no brain answer.