I still think this is more like an international trade deal than two companies ssigning a JVs. So, to me, the deal can be affected by things that seem to bear no connection to gold mining in Vennie.

In this case, though, I think the PRC holds a bunch of aces, and the veniies are pretty well out of options. Barring an armed revolution in Vennie between now and the mine getting up and running, I think this is a relatively normal agreement tbetween two sovereign states that will be done - though at the glacial rate that international deals are usually done.

At these prices, I think it's a good investment, provided you haven't mortgaged the house, or nuthin', (though I probably have a few too many shares in this one, haha).

(By the way, the N. Korean succession seems to have gotten off on the right foot, so one less potential distraction for the PRC it would seem.)