I didn't "hijack" for the E&LS-I just pointed out that HIGHLAND COPPER themselves asked for a study as an alternative outlet for concentrate that would be derived for one of their ventures (of the three in the area the most likely is the New White Pine). Yes the track on the O&B has been removed, I believe there request of study was post removal. The study was for redevelopment (re laying of rail) if the need arose ala what has occurred with the new Mineral Range.
I see no guarantee that the CN line would get the traffic from Highland Copper. This is based on historic objections from Bad River Tribe to mining development as well as bridge conditions over the Potato River and Sedwick Creek. Additionally there is precedence for the trucking of material between Ontonagon and White Pine. This is why L.P. Walsh road is constructed to handle heavy truck traffic. At the end of White Pine Mine and the smelters life the coal was trucked from Ontonagon. When the White Pine branch was embargoed under the Soo Line days this is why copper anodes were shipped via truck to Ontonagon.

It is a matter of understanding the context of which and why these events are occurring. At the end of the day either the New White Pine or Copperwood are still five to seven years from shipping if they ever do.
Cheers,