I suspect they are developing this resource at a slow and steady...

I suspect they are developing this resource at a slow and steady pace due to limited funding (no matter how this is derived in the current financial circumstances). a presently low graphite price and demand which removes any need for haste, and the economic efficiencies of the step by step approach which eliminates wasted resources.
This doesn’t appeal much to those who want action and ready profits right now. But it will build a solid foundation for a potentially successful long-term enterprise.
If current sluggish conditions change, and the resource is really as good as described, I would expect that an acceptable take-over would arise that may result in faster action if this was necessary.