Ann: Large-Scale Pilot Plant study exceeds design criteria, page-62

There is no rule that says you need a DFS to have a financial decision (in fact you don't even need a PFS or PEA to do that) and secondly you don't even need a DFS to get funding after you make the decision to proceed.

a DFS is simply used as an instrument to lower the risk profile of your project and show a developed concept to banks and investors who want to invest. If you only need a small capital and have a high rate of return or large contigency planned in, many lenders will give you cash at reasonable rates. It's all about risk/reward and what premium the lenders put on that equation.