....or could it mean that one is firming up with Teck and another partner and they now need someone to help with the negotiations?

Might it also mean there could be a deal for VD in the works and someone is needed to help negotiate that deal?

In CUU's stated corporate strategy they haven't done this "monetization" step yet so I viewed this (albeit with hope and bias) as a postive sign....?

Agreed on all points.  Whether a deal is imminent or not, this guy is clearly a deal negotiator, a rainmaker so-to-speak. We're not bringing in someone of his experience and high caliber to perform bookkeeping that's for sure.