"It depends ... it’s obviously very sensitive but certainly it’s in the billions."

Right after saying that he added (to paraphrase)..."but, of course, the monetary award and collecting on same are two different things".

He also responded (to paraphrase) when asked whether GRZ, like KRY, was attending the NA hearings "it's nice that they're meeting...but the NA is basically powerless (isn't that what Guiterrez said last fall?) and GRZ doesn't bother dealing with the NA"...at least until Hugo's 'special powers' run out and the mining law legislation is left to the NA or Hugo's 'special powers' are extended by the NA. Sour grapes at not being invited to the hearings perhaps? Concession versus MOA an issue here? Who knows.

Interesting to note that GRZ is halting all unnecessary expenditures in Vz and will start seeking alternative mining possibilities without delay. Does KRY have the $$$ or the desire or the expertise to seek alternative mining opportunities at this time?

IMO...if Hugo doesn't either approve the permit or pass a new decree prohibiting open pit mining in the Imataca before his 'special powers' run out in July....we could be waiting for a long, long time to find out our fate. Having said all of that. I'm very hopeful that we will get the permit soon.