"I'm hoping the permitting process doesn't take the average of seven years that it takes most mines in the US. Are there separate permits for drilling and mining?"

Yest, I think you are confusing mine permitting with drilling permits.

"If so how long will drilling permits take?"

Maybe 2-4 weeks. Depends on the agency and what they aready have on their plate.

"Likewise how long will it take to do the archaeological review?"

Most of it has been done. I think the company will only adding very small areas to ensure the drill rigs don't damage anything worthwhile. I anything is found, which is doubtful, the it will not likely hold up anything, the crews can work around it.

"I hope they overlay the historical mines with the Hay Mountain footprint for documents that we can look at on the web site or here."

I'm sure there will new graphics of various kinds at some point.

"Still a lot of work to do so I'm not breaking out the champagne quite yet."

I agree it is not quite time to pop the corks.