I spoke with Marla recently...some tidbits....

We have heard all sorts of things about timing of release of draft laws. We know that the government is working on them and that they are consulting with companies, communities and other stakeholders about the content of the laws. At this point it is hard to say what the timing will be.

The workshop that you are referring to that Correa and Chiriboga both attended was intended to educate Correa about mining. Correa has a mining advisor (who is a geologist) that put the session together and that has been in touch with our office a number of times for general information about exploration and mining. We are building a relationship with him as we are with many members of Correa’s administration and the new Assembly members. We now have a dedicated government relations group in Quito and are putting a lot of resources toward this effort given that we are at a pivotal time for mining in Ecuador.

safeharbour