I was roundly scolded by senior citizens on this page for...

I was roundly scolded by senior citizens on this page for suggesting the Spanish bureaucracy's Christmas break lasts until 30 March. This is beginning to look like an astute forecast.

A quick internet search threw up two recent, interesting articles on the Muga mine. These are in Spanish, but Google translate will reveal their gist:

http://navarracapital.es/amplio-respaldo-en-cinco-villas-y-sanguesa-al-proyecto-mina-muga/

This includes an opinion poll (n:496) overwhelmingly in favor of Muga.  The locals want quality jobs in this economically struggling region.  13% nominated environmental concerns.

http://www.noticiasdenavarra.com/20...guesa-decide-empuja-la-consulta-sobre-la-mina

A 'citizen's initiative' gathering signatures to oblige more information and civic consultation exists and appears struggling to gain the 10% needed for a public vote.

__________

I do not pretend to understand the Basque Nationalist government of Navarra or the splintered parliament of Aragon, beyond presuming major decisions are difficult and likely to be seized upon for political purposes. The federal Spanish government is in a fierce struggle with the Catalan independence movement in Barcelona and would not want to inflame the Basques in any way.

So, while the locals and centre-right federal government want Muga, it appears delayed by the passions of nationhood.   HFR would not want to be obliged to take sides in these ancient hostilities.  It needs all levels of government to make their own decisions.

If anyone knows better than this, please speak up.

Ash