False my friend. You don't apply for a mining permit until you are ready to actually take the steps to mine. When you have a claim you are permitted to prove up your property and that is done in stages. Canada is very mining friendly and certain US States are pro mining and come under their rules unless of course you are on BLM or Forest Service land then you must meet those federal regulations.
How ludicrous. No skin in the game for the University of Alberta!! LOL, they are not investing in mining, rather in technology applications etc.. like in rare earths and olivine. Get real. Plus our CEO has skin in the game and notes are a part of development. Without capital you don't go anywhere so notes are golden. It's called capitalism!!