Ann: Approval Received for Underground Exploration Drive, page-15

it is very clever strategy if ALK is certain they will find lot more gold below the drive. Seeing how conservative this management is I think they saw enough to be sure costs will be justified.
There is a good chance this drive to be cash positive during the building phase but this is pure speculation on my part. I just can't help myself from thinking ALK will drive though known gold baring material and there is high probability to also stumble upon gold shoots that ALK wasn't aware to be there. It will actually be miracle for ALK not to hit any gold while digging this drive.

Such drive will allow for lower cost deep drilling and super fast start of underground mining when ready to mine.

I really don't see down side for this approval - yes, there is small chance for ALK not to find much gold below the drive and that needs to be taken in consideration.