Not to excuse the Ontario government,following quotes from that Republic of Mining article:

"The main reason for the permitting delay is that the provincial government wants to finalize an all-encompassing framework agreement with the nine-member Matawa First Nations Tribal Council, who are directly impacted by this mineral development. It may take another year or so to accomplish this agreement."

Also:
"Issuing the terms of reference will allow the project to progress, but not be built, until final approval from the Matawa communities."

My take from these is:
It takes two to agree and not just dependent on Ontario who we have been quick to criticize. The problem is that the agreement is with all Matawa and not the three or four nearest communities to the Ring. I suspect Webequie wants this yesterday but more distant ones probably want more then you and I would agree to, hence hold back for a concession or compromise that may not come for who knows how long from Matawa.

"Of particular concern is water quality issues which are a federal responsibility."

Here the Feds are none existant and natives wanting improvement are probably holding back agreement with Ontario as bargaining chip and of little consequence to Feds. That causes Ontario to lash out on the Feds.

To sum it up, it takes strong leadership to impose a solution on all involved instead plackating intransigent interests. Hope my take explains some of the possible causes of delay.

Ed G.