The latest rumour is the Ecuadorian Government possibly bidding for Aurelian, which is the reason why the share price is still well-below the offer.

Not a rumour! There is actually a plan afoot to joint venture with the Ecuadorean Govt. Read about it here:

http://tinyurl.com/4qq3g3

And here:

http://tinyurl.com/6anp3b

As per the articles, the plan depends on ousting the current board and replacing them with directors who have a larger view of things. Clearly I can't comment on the details, except to say that wheels are in motion, both in Canada and in Ecuador, where there is considerable support for the idea.

The political reality of Ecuador has been largely misunderstood by western markets. This has created an opportunity to acquire assets at a steep discount, however, the predatory nature of such acquisitions does not sit well with the Government of Ecuador, which is on record as desiring serious investors, as opposed to speculators with no long term interest in the nation's development.

Mining companies far and wide pay lip service to social development, environmental friendliness, and concern for the welfare of their workers. Let's cut the crap for once, OK? The only people who really care about these things are the people who live it on a daily basis, ie. the people on the ground. The way you convince them of your sincerity is to cut them into the deal as true long term partners.

Until recently, the Aurelian name was associated with people who support responsible, equitable development of mining in Ecuador. Do not underestimate the power of such a commitment. Do not discount the level of support a disident group may receive that wants to continue that commitment in the face of abandonment by it's own directors.

The Ecuadorean Government knows who we are. Right now they're busy with a larger issue, the Constitutional Referendum, but make no mistake about it, when they get back to us, and see what's been done here, how do you think they'll respond, and who do you think they'll support?

ebear