The article says it's because of this:

Canada's "largest known source of untapped mineral wealth," but it faces huge logistical challenge to reach the stranded nickel, chromite and base metal deposits due to the area's remoteness.

But, what it's really about is this:

"This ecologically sensitive land traverses the traditional territory of several Indigenous communities and should only be accessed in true partnership, consultation, and shared prosperity," the association said in its project description."