Freewest share price was depressed as ours in now. Noront saw an opportunity at aquiring it for a bargain price.
They pulled out when the price rose to a level that Noront no longer thought was a bargain.
The fall back consequence in Cliffs taking a more direct involvment in the Ring is that it made the Ring noticed. That was good for every body.

The present winter road system would be used in the begining to be upgraded to all season in incremental fashion, probably completing after the mine is built.
As for pipeline it is shorter, should be easier and therefore faster to build than a rail line. Just my guess.

I think our management will do as they say until the rail line is built. Eventually they will use the rail line because it should be much cheaper.
The road is an interim method until all the pieces are in place.