"They drafted the mandate without even consulting the ministry of mining and petroleum. "

That's true

It's also true that the MInistry of Mining and Petroleum drafted the new mining laws in their entirety

and that supercedes the mandate

and that is mining friendly

and if the offer fails and there are no other bids

we'll mine the bloody thing ourselves

safeharbour

It's also true that the mandate took back concessions which were granted under very questionable circumstances to friends and family of the former regime. That was the whole point of it, as anyone living in Ecuador would know.

Those concessions are now in state hands (where they belong) and available to be bid on by credible explorers.

Gentlemen, start your drill rigs!

ebear