The deal in Venezuela between Placer Dome and Vanessa was a technical and convenience structured sale.

I am no expert but using a bit of twisted mind i would say that PLacer Dome instead of walking away and be left with any environmental damage to fix ,they passed the bucket to Vanessa for a nominal sum .

Vanessa didn't have much to loose and did not react strongly to the expropriation because they had no merit.

Now with the gold and dollar sight in their eyes ,still with no merit,they struck a deal with a lawyer <<we will pay if we win >> type of thing.

So a waste of courts time and no problems for us.

my opinion

cheers and regards oiramoric