The chinese will build the railway only if it is profitable for them, common sense.
I think that the main stumbling block are some of the native communities that want their pie before they can pay for it and even some who do not want to pay at all because they feel entitled to that pie in exchange to all the land that they still 'own'. With that kind of anvil hanging around the neck of the Ring I fear that even the chinese will just look and walk away as did Cliffs.
The chinese are not an advantage. actually we are grossly disadvantaged but with no progress at home it is better for a foreigner to do it as opposed to doing nothing.
You all should remember, Chinese and KWG are about to do a study and feasibility. Noront was there years ago and what did that get us.

As for the billion dollars from cash strapped Ontario, they are also waiting ( actually dragging their feet with promises) until the federals come in and help out. Ontario in particular needs the tax revenue that mines in the Ring would provide so they have an extra incentive to have it done. Question is, just how well are they aware. Seems not enough.

So am holding on for dear life until the day that at least one of the above wakes up and says the hell with the rest of you, am forging ahead because this has been on the burner too long.