This message for Cupcake, cc NOT ago board Pete: Re: EA. There have been numerous questions from Fed and Ontario EA draft reviewers submited to NOT via Feds (coordinating) with responses returned. There is some additional field work which needs to be done re (eg) additional fresh water testing. These items had awaited ice breakup/ access, and have started now. Final EA report is still targeted by end of August, plus the 90 day comment period. (This brings final approved EA report to apprx. dec 1/14. This then means permits can be in place for Dec/ winter road start build. The "EA is key, financing will follow"; the scope of $$ is not known at this time. The goal is to garner EA approvals, sufficient to gain all permitting approvals to comment mine build timelines, commencing with the winter road start this December. "Noronts plan includes confirmation of all equipment, supplies , fuel, accomodation , etc to make sure that the project is "shovel ready" and construction can begin immediately " (all logistics in place ). It is possible that Noront will build the road themselves in ohrder to maintain the FS timeline. There "may"be a need for for a small PP to fund the additional EA field work requested to finish the EA. Financing:- Ontario has yet to submit a plan (ie. a bankable feasibility plan necessary to receive either/or both of any federal or bank financing) and a loan request price for that plan of work to be done. "Would you write a blank check to your wife to go shopping?" "Redford (fed minister in charge) is very aware of status and is supportive." " It's a good thing that ALL Ontario parties are voicing RoF infrastructure funding". Pronouncements by some parties are (politely ,- "all politics.) Financing The overall RoF /northern a Ontario will be via an as yet unnamed "special purpose funding vehicle" similar to a 3P organization template such as the original hwy 407 build own/operate used. Only one corridor (EW) will be permitted in the EA. No other corridor submitting was ever made. Deloitte has been in touch with NOT and is well aware of the EA and FS plans and scope (public documents). Deloitte is focussing on the overall Ontario north communities transportation access, power and social services requirements. No timeline expectations on Deloitte report and it is only background info not relevant to NOT's EA work effort. Peter Sent from my iPad