The latest from Thompson has kinda tweaked the discussion here and that might not be a bad thing. Most if not all of what was said is not a suprise, it seems investors are not reacting by selling off.

What the Thompson statement may accomplish is getting the enviromental minister under the magnfying glass. (This can't be to make us feel better, as we can't be helped anyhow short of a permit announcement). Indirectly he puts local pressure on Ortega from all the citizens and beaurocrats whom anticipate being employed and/or benefiting from the held up mining projects. Illegal mning has been rampant because people do not care about the enviroment- money is more importiant. Since the economic situation there is bleak, this already has the natives restless, and gives them a name of someone to blame for thier problems, Ortega. He also gets these people lined up behind the person whom he belives can get the job done, Sanz. Since this country is run by a dictator, mob rule could be the correct strategy to get some things done.