Ebear

I know you are very familiar with Ecuador.

Not especially.  Most of what I know is gleaned from their press and historical articles.  My main advantage is I speak the language.

Do you know  if any of the new hydro projects would benefit ARU?

Not immediately as far as I know, but Ecuador will have to develop large scale hydro power if they expect to have a viable mining industry.  Again, this raises environmental concerns.  Here's a good article on the subject, which I think I posted a while back:

http://tinyurl.com/66mza2

Here's a company developing geothermal power in Nicaragua that could serve as a model for Ecuador.  

 http://www.polarisgeothermal.com

Geothermal has obvious tie-ins to mining, so it's a logical path to pursue if you intend to develop a mining industry.  By itself it can't eliminate hydro power, but it can definitely fill in the gaps and provide power where hydro projects aren't feasible...

ebear