So what if there is.

The mention by Cliffs of a major backer is playing politics on their part. They do not need a partner nor would they sell off the chromite body to a major when they need the ferrochrome for their steel. Why share the profits with someone else?

I say that they are just trying to throw a scare into FWR holders by implying that if they need a backer to finance development in the Ring then Noront is out to lunch by trying to do so alone. Another sign of desperation.

Few things are further from the truth.
If you have an economical resource in a reasonable quantity for which there is a market, even if limited on an annual basis, the financing not only can be found now, but should the world economy recover a bit more, financiers will be standing in line to hand you the cash to develop the Next Sudbury Basin.