During the interview, Mr. Gutierrez said, "The Commission I lead, the Permanent Commission for Economic Development at the National Assembly, has started a series of actions before the Environment Ministry and the country's President, to conclude the issuing of the environmental permits." Mr. Gutierrez further stated, "The President (Hugo Chavez) is aware, and so are we, that the beginning of exploitation at the Las Cristinas gold mines has a special importance, it has an economic importance, as it would allow... a social importance, as thousands and thousands of families, dedicated to illegal mining, and who use mercury and work in deplorable conditions, can participate through formal jobs in this activity developed by Crystallex in the exploitation of gold in Las Cristinas."

When asked if President Chavez could speed up the permitting process, Mr. Gutierrez confirmed, "The permits have already been prepared by the Environment Ministry, and the President can speed this up." Mr. Guttierez also stated that, "The Las Cristinas Project will begin soon, and will pass from project to full exploitation with the modern technology of one of the most important gold mines in the world."