that is a good sign that financing is within reach. If financing...

that is a good sign that financing is within reach.

If financing has fallen apart, the first thing a company will do is cease exploration work and lay off most of the exploration team.

AVB is doing the opposite with pictures to prove it.
"Whilst the Company’s project team is preparing to commence construction of the Antas
Copper Mine, the exploration division has returned to the field to focus on the resource
upgrade at Pedra Branca and the regional search for the next (Stage 3) project.
The Board is committed to the drill-out of Pedra Branca and identifying new opportunities
for resource growth. An exploration programme testing three of five targets was
completed in 2014.
Rigs have since been rescheduled and mobilised to Pedra Branca for the resource upgrade
programme following encouraging feedback from (Stage 1) debt financing activities in
Brazil."

Two blue chip Brazillian groups have also been shortlisted. Probably AVB been told by them to start drilling on PB while they finish off the paperwork.