Maybe you find it hard to understand that a leader would step down before a potential big discovery or an initial resource estimate is put together. People can be unusual and not everyone is driven by the same goals. What might seem strange to you and a mystery is the opposite to others. Sometimes in life we just stop and do something else. Even if it seems crazy at this time to you personally. There is an old saying you might know.
'There's nowt so queer as folk'.
https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/there-s-nowt-so-queer-as-folk
Not everyone is driven by money as well. Academics are driven by ideas and research and findings.
Welcome to humanity !
JFI