"When the big guy buys in the game will change for everybody. Given the locatioin and expense of putting necessary infrastructure in place they may only be room for one big mining company. Who ever buys in first could very well be in control. They might even pay a hefty premiium to take charge."

You folks love to look for boogie men.  When the infrastructure is establish it will not likely be exclusive access to the area as the province will likely be playing a part.  Why should it be exclusive to one major?  There are all kinds of mining setups where there are a number of players in the same area.  Folks seem to be forgetting that there will be a number of very interested parties all looking for a piece of the pie, and if they can't have one they'll try to acquire another provided they have economic resources.  I doubt very much any company with the stuff will be left in the cold and held to ransom.