I think the die was cast when Teck staked their huge claim area next to us in April and now, deal negotiations are in the works.

Yes and the negotiations started Dec 12th...the day Elmer was invited by Teck on the Liard board..Elmer need to have a voice on that board (vooting shares) for the negotiations to start.

December 12, 2011

Liard Copper Mines Limited:
Teck Resources Limited invited Elmer B. Stewart to join the board of directors of Liard Copper Mines Limited ("Liard"). The annual general meeting of shareholders of Liard was held on November 30, 2011 at which time, Mr. Stewart's appointment as director was approved by the shareholders of Liard.

..2 months before that date (oct 13th) shipping port was reserved.

From that point they never stopped buying land...