I don't think they are physically pulling dirt out of the ground...

I don't think they are physically pulling dirt out of the ground as yet, but the wheels on the bulk sampling project are spinning. I.e they have things that they need to do before most folk would consider it "underway", like the ventilation system, fitting out of mining vehicles for u/g purpose, refurb of access to parts of the mine etc. But the fact that they have money for these things as budgeted it is now merely a formality.

As always there is alot that goes behind the scenes before a pile of glittering rocks start piling up at the portal...