because the time expired for ministers response they had to...

because the time expired for ministers response they had to announce the news but they should have been progressing this earlier. I would say they have really tried to force the gov's hand when they realised there is valuable stuff in the ground and don't want to release more good results before this sign-off as it puts themselves in a worse negotiating position.

Don't think they'll release any results until this occurs - but then will come in thick and fast as the results will be at hand - some probably now!