What IfThe news release simply stated: "The program was developed in collaboration with Rio Tinto...[and] the geotechnical program will be key to the development of our ESE statement [meaning, the permit application]?"
I wouldn't overthink this one exploration hole as Mission Creep. Paul's been talking about it for years, let them. It's one hole. We're overlooking the obvious implication here. Rio put together this program to fill in blanks for the permit application.
It's not a "we need to see the results first, and then decide whether we're interested" sort of drilling campaign.