Noront has been ready for years now. I now suspect Ontario is almost as long except that Mattawa wants more than Ontario is prepared to give up, based on first of following quotes which are taken from post by Babjak1 on July 20 titled <Thunder Bay, Fort William First Nation make the case...>

1. "Mine development in the Far North is indefinitely stalled because of lengthy and ongoing negotiations between the Ontario government and the Matawa First Nations communities. No route has been chosen."

So what is meant by consult? Mattawa and Ontario must have a differing opinion on that. Until they get on the same page we are in limbo.

2. “That was made quite clear,” said Mason. “Al (Coutts) said that again at the end of his presentation. It’s about the road.”
No road means no progress on any mine. Additional delay is due to concentration by just about everyone on chromite and associated railway, side lining Noront's nickel ore mine. No nickel mine then how can there be progress with regard to chromite ores. Without any working mine meaning associated profits and taxes from operations how can there be any guarantees of sharing.
A vicious circle and someone has to break it, somehow.
It is not just the money but a show of progress and willingness to work together, that is what is needed most.

Financiers want a guarantee of return. If natives will delay endlessly then financiers take flight. Even Chinese are not about to take excessive risks.