"I do, however, have dificulty accepting a sale prospect at this time; since neither Noront or Probe can put a value on the property without knowing the size of the resource, or what % of what type of minerals are present. "

I agree. There is no way this has to do with a sale but likely a JV for the reasons you outlined above. Probe will likely get to find out what is there largely at NOT's expense while they poke holes in other areas. It's a win for them and also for NOT if it proves up.