It is well known that Ortega is against any foreign companies operationg in Venezuela. About a year a ago it was implied from sources close to her that she wanted all foreign compaines out of Ven. I don't know what set her off on this. However, sometime after the EIS approval the ministry took a hard stance on the environment. I am not sure, but I think Ortega came into power at the Ministry around this time.

Anyway, this minister is throwing out any excuse she can think of to not allow mining in the region.

If I remember correctly Open pit mining is actually less environmentally damaging. The main reason for this is the amount of energy used to extract the mineral is substantially less. Granted it does not look pretty, and the area to mine is altered for some time. However, an open pit mine can be restored. I think the minister is forgeting that both above ground and under ground mining produce tailings, and that is the major concern.

JMHO