https://financialpost.com/pmn/business-pmn/newmont-bids-17-billion-for-australian-gold-miner-newcrest

Newcrest! The same company who has been investing heavily into the area and buying up neighbouring projects and land packages....

Developing BC properties

Competitor for the purchase of the SC project  

Searching for copper assets

I think the government wants to develop the area and the big miners are ready to invest in the area with reduced red tape!

Something big may be brewing for the region and the recent government policy change to mining hints to this.