Teck has staked mineral claims around us. This is different from purchasing land. They do not own the land that they staked. They only have rights to the minerals.

The province will still own the land and also the roads. They can also allow other entities access to this land for such things as logging, oil exploration, placer mining and other endevours.

Also keep in mind the province put in money for the NTL. They also are trying to open up this area to commerce. Any company that decides to just sit on their claims and not mine them could also lose them. Once they know an area can be mined they will most likely want it mined.

When you go to stake claims on the government website there is a warning telling you that these claims are for people or companies that plan on mining or exploring for a mine.