Safe, your hypothesis is the only thing that makes sense. There will be no meaningful mining in Ecuador with this ridiculous 70% windfall tax...

The only problem with this scenario, is that it might take a while before this moderate approach takes hold...

Speaking of the 99% windfall oil tax, I read an article stating that the oil minister would be willing to negotiate with these foreign oil companies who are balking at this ridiculous tax....So maybe the moderation is beginning to come into play...