Canada is looking better and better. Let's not forget that neither of these two companies, BHP or Wyloo, if given the choice would choose to take chances in unstable jurisdictions around the world. But even though Canada is more stable we do have communities around the Ring of Fire who want the same as those in the article below. To be recognized, respected and compensated for allowing mining companies to traverse their lands to transport ores out of the Ring. Makes sense if what mining companies do directly affects local communities, so I agree, business arrangements should be made.
Attawapiskat is downstream, so IMO they should be able to swing some sort of deal since mining in the Ring may affect them to a small degree. But what about Neskantaga, Eabametoong, and Nabinamik...Out of the three only Neskantaga is vocal about inclusion in directly benefiting from the Ring of Fire. No other Matawa First Nation community has openly complained as much as them. So why is that? I personally think it's because somehow Neskantaga's land is to be utilized to support the Ring of Fire, so in their insecure way they're just reminding everyone involved that in order for their cooperation to be secured a contract for compensation must be agreed upon and signed. Hence the need for all their media attention and threats of litigation against the Ring should they be overstepped or forgotten.
Yes...We have delays in bidding and low bids. But I think it's because certain Indigenous cooperation must be assured before either Wyloo, or BHP, sees the value in raising the bids for Noront. I believe these two are still consulting with those First Nations crucial to progress that are looking to sign on the dotted line and receive their compensation. So NOT only do we have a battle for Noront shareholder support, but also a battle to see who between BHP or Wyloo can offer the best deal to those Matawa and Mushkegowuk First Nations affected to win their support as well. I may be that both BHP, and Wyloo, are in turn in talks with the government to mitigate this, since really this should not be their problem.
Just my take on why things are moving so slowly...
And if you look below you'll see within the article that BHP can play well with others...So don't discount a deal with Wyloo/Forrest to do the same with Noront and the Ring....Just say'n.
TM.
https://www.mining.com/protests-force-perus-largest-copper-mine-to-halt-operations/
....Protesters are demanding compensation for the use of their land to transport the ore produced by Antamina, which is owned by BHP (33.75%), Glencore (33.75%),Teck Resources (22.75%) and Mitsubishi (10%)....