Ortega is a political appointee. She likely has other qualifications than being wife of the VP. Obviously, she knows how to play "the game." I very much doubt Chavez is letting her "spout off" just because she is the VP's wife. If anything, she is Chavez's "expert" because he appointed her to his cabinet. There are likely many intelligent professionals, including environmental engineers working under Ortega. Chavez's lack of comment on all of this may be taken as silent support by the market.

Face it, environmental protection is PC everywhere in the world. However, investors and speculators put their money down on development and sales. The general opinion of an investor or speculator is that development is good (unless it happens in your backyard). Third world countries are, more and more, protecting their environment and forgoing development and sales to benefit outside interests. Ortega is on PC solid ground in her statements.

Also, remember that there is only 5% of the population in this area of the country, and a very small portion of that 5% are miners. Support by this very, very small group is likely not of concern to Chavez.

It was mentioned that Kry submitted some sort of brief explaining their position. If it is legal argument and opinion, it may slow things down big time. I may be wrong, but it seems KRY should be submitting real engineering mitigation measures that address the issues given for the revocation.

Not sure how this will all end, but everyone should realize that decisions in all business aspects, whether in Ven or anywhere, involves more than the side of development. The cost of doing business sometimes does mean protecting the environment.