I think we put too much faith in the people at the top knowing all the ins and outs of every little deal going on in their country. Hugo probably knows he's got a big deal with the PRC; he probably needs to be reminded that it's tied to resources; and reminded again that LC is part of the resources.
LC itself is a button-pusher to him - he knows he's mentioned nationalizing it a hundred times before; day to day he doen't remember what the status of it is; probably only comes to mind when a journo or a minder brings it up.