Just to clarify, VM Garcia and the Director of Permitting are the only 2 signatures required for the LC permit. I have confirmed this on a number of occasions with RM. As reported by the Gazetta, VM Garcia was briefly given the authority to sign for the Director of Permitting while he was on vacation. Now that the Director of Permitting is back from vacation, its back to business in that both need to sigh the permit.

I have also been told Minister Ortega has said her peace and is no longer a factor in the LC permitting process. Practically speaking, this is most evident by the MinAmb/KRY discussions, proposals, and site visits that have taken place since June.

IMO its a done deal. They are waiting for Chavez to give his blessing on the right time to make the announcment.