The other day, when searching for news, I saw the piece about China and Chavez signing a bunch of agreements re mining. Then, of all things, OF posted it.

After thinking about it for a few minutes, I realized that, at that point, KRY and CRRC had already been working on the JV deal for several months. Sooo...I would say that there is NO DOUBT that CRRC had the JV in mind when they were putting together those bilateral agreements. They, of course, just like us, were very aware of Chavez's 'ways', and that he will not be President forever .....maybe not even when the mine opens.

So, I think it would be safe to say that CRRC signed agreements that ASSURED them that Chavez wasn't going to be able to wiggle out of releasing the permit. Those agreements, without a doubt, will cover many situations where there could be a dispute. China is 'vellee vellee smard', and I doubt very much that they get the 'short end of the straw', too often.

So I would say to all, get it out of your mind that this deal will fall through because of Chavez, Period.

Pen