"this confirms his misplaced dedication to doing business with an "international miner" "

Agreed. Whatever feeble and futile efforts that are being made are likely a rehash of his failed effort with "Prospect One (likely a large foreign entity)". In fact- Gross might even still be pining for them and pleading for them to come back. (And not being interested- they might be giving the excuse of "travel restrictions".)Dealing with large foreign entities- and waiting around for them takes less personal energy. Especially if they never actually show up. It also is more in line with his grandiose designs- even if far off in the misty future.

If, instead, he were to get out and about and meet and greet local, smaller potential partners- requiring more personal interaction and more time and effort and initiative- he wouldn't be able to pretend that "travel restrictions" is what's holding everything back- and he might even find a willing partner. 

Get out there Gross!