The Howe Institute isn't known to be pro-government or behind the government taking large risks with tax-payer money. If that instutution is any reflection of the ideals of C.D.Howe then I doubt if he could have done any better in the ROF. I would like to see a realistic economic analysis and model of the ROF and that means not using huge unsubstantiated numbers (+60 Billion for example). It would need to use current metal prices and treat all expenditures by the government on the ROF as costs. Possible deposits do not constitute assets. With a model you can predict economics and come up with some realistic numbers and dates. If say the prediction is for chromite to double in price in 10 years then you may be able to say if it is worth spending the money now or whenever. Or if a new deposit is found (proven) the economics would change and make it more attractive to do something.

As it is now it is all speculation if not just plain B.S. Everyone is using this "loosey-goosey" situation as an excuse to do nothing.