From the Oct 31 2019 year end MDA:

 The study team assembled to complete the 2019 program consisted of technical personnel from Teck and Copper Fox and third-party contractors; 

Looks like an oversight/QC problem. Normally you meet weekly or biweekly with consultants for progress reports so you don't get a surprise when they present the final results. I've worked both sides of that situation. The length of time required to resolve is ridiculous, just like every other aspect of SC.