You said it yourself, spec stock, holding on and off.
Unfortunately, spec stocks require patience. Sounds like you're looking for a quick return. Perhaps spec stocks aren't your thing. Look for stocks with high volatility and try to predict ups and downs. Good luck.
I for one, don't really care when production starts, if it starts at all. One of two things will happen here IMO, either they will produce, or someone else will produce it for them. Either way, I win considering the resources to be mined are there and we know there is a 14 year mine life. This stock will either jump to $2-3, or will be sold for much less. Win-win.