I think they'll wait until the courts settle the decision in November about the CCI claim strip easement. If Noront loses, then they can negotiate with KWG. If they win, they're in a much stronger position.

I think that each company potentially has things that the other could benefit from. And they're either:

1. Both waiting because they think their respective positions will strengthen in the coming months; or

2. Already have formed certain agreements which can't become public knowledge yet.

They're already de facto partners in a number of initiatives, ie. the Big Daddy, McFaulds, etc. They WILL work together eventually, to some extent.

KWG's value in Big Daddy is less impressive than a few years ago. Rights to the route are anything but confirmed. The potential patent is not guaranteed. And their option with Bold, which doesn't affect Noront as significantly, may not make it to the 100% stage. Lots of IF's.

But if the N/S route OR the patent actually gets sorted out in KWG's favor, then there will be more motivation for Noront to accept KWG as a serious entity.

In the meantime, I look at Noront as being more likely to make things happen in the next couple of years.