Ann: Quarterly Activities Report, page-34

Fair go bnf.  "Pending" sure means unresolved, but, certainly doesn't imply a problem.  
And "pending" was Towie's word, Melanie (the correct spelling) simply said that it was going through the process. There's NO way you'll get any more from a phone call or the provider would be out of a job post haste.  
The timing at the moment is irrelevant as there won't (can't) be any structural work done until the "wet season" is officially ended.  You've seen what can happen, from nothing for weeks to 20 inches in a week.  
NO mining operator will take that risk, especially 600ks away from their own digs.  E.G.  Cobbold Gorge Tours, which operates from Forsayth and it's owners own the land where the mining will take place,  are suspended until 1 April!!   Imagine starting a mining operation and then copping 20 inches of rain.  We are talking NQ tropics during monsoon season.
Sit back and wait or take advantage of some more accumulating.
What was a rubber stamp job has required a rubber dingy.
In any case, I'd prefer to see the announcement of the ML grant to coincide with the commencement of operations. Otherwise, any fizz that the ML "might" create could die out very quickly and it will be a while before we see another "catalyst".  Can't you see it, ML granted but no work until April!!