"Maybe Al could convince Webique to just start blazing a winter trail, and run everything in and out by skidoo."
There IS a winter road every year and Noront is/was ready to bring in materials and supplies to start construction of the mine.
The hold back is permitting and assurance from all that if Noront does start construction that suitable transportation mechanisms wil be in place for the ore's products when the mine is complete and ready for operation.

It makes no sense to start construction without permit. ( I think it was Marten Falls did so with their air strip years ago, and where did that get them?)
Second, it also makes no sense to build the mine and have it sit out most of the year if the metals can not be moved out at reasonable costs or throughout the whole year.

I suspect Webequie is chaffing at the bits as much as Noront to get going, no conviction is necessary.

Just my high winded opinion, Ed.