"No response from company."

If you don't mind my saying so, I think the question is premature, and that they company has nothing to say until...

1) drill site selection has been completed,

2) consequential detailed archeological surveys have been accomplised on these,

3) site selections have been approved, AND

4) a partner or partners have been found to fund the program.

Without these things being accomplished first, I would not look for the company to be applying for drilling permits.

On the other hand, maybe they are withholding an answer to your question pending a press release that will address this issue. I doubt, though.