"It staked claims on the natural esters upon which Cleveland-based Cliffs Natural Resources wanted to build its preferred north-south all seasons road."

Here continues a big misunderstanding.

My understanding is that Cliffs like KWG, originally wanted a N/S railway but KWG wanted it for itself and a sharing agreement could not be reached.

Not able to use a railway Cliffs wanted to do an end around KWG by obtaining an easement over same path for a road. Only when that failed ( maybe not yet) they decided to fold tent for now.

I believe that Cliffs' prefered choice for N/S transport is still railway, as is just about every one else's.