If I were Correa, and going to have a referendum, to ensure my position til 2011? I would do anything and everything to sway it to my favour.

Why would I wait to release the mining act till AFTER the referendum?

Probably because it contains language that allows open pit mining. Most people are too caught up in the referendum right now to be paying any attention to the mining law. If you release it now, it distracts from the referendum, and the whole controversy could start up again. Just my opinion of course. I've kind of slacked off on the political news lately. I still read the papers, but outside of polemics centered on the constitution, there really isn't much to report. Even the chica del dias are starting to repeat <g>.

Surely, if it were to be released BEFORE.. and get all the miners back to work with more money pouring into the local economy.

It would speak volumes for political votes.. In fact, everyone would vote yes to el presidente because we now all have our jobs back.... ie Thankyou.. Thankyou.. Thankyou...

There's no reason I can see not to have people back to work before the mining law is passed. It might take a presidential decree since congress isn't sitting, but when has that stopped them? It might also be seen as pandering for votes, but nothing new there either.

Remember though, they did say back to work by the end of Aug. They also said final draft by then, if I recall correctly. Don't be too surprised then if they drop the mining draft on us at the end of Aug. They're already aware of how upset people are with this deal, and how it potentially reflects on them, especially after those comments by Chiriboga. No doubt they'd like a deal to take to the Ecuadorean people before the referendum, but I don't think they'd be too upset if it wasn't Kinross. Something for Newmont to consider. That break fee is only part of the equation here. In the grand scheme of things, it's not that big a price for opening the door to 35 plus years of working in Ecuador. OTOH, waiting around, even if you're sure the K bid will fail, might not be the best option under the circumstances.

ebear