I think in the US, as most developed nations, environmental...

I think in the US, as most developed nations, environmental approval is largely independent of the government of the day. Once given it's the same thing. I draw lessons from Toro here, and the three mines policy. I'm seeing and expecting the same in Spain with Berkeley Energia.

Probably the biggest issue is whether the levels of testing on water requiring no emissions for low PH ( acid) each are considered the same as for the alkaline (carbonate) leach. I would have thought having a carboante leach up and running for say a couple of years with the ability to check for alteration in water quality (leakage against the negative flow/net draw) should give the authorities sufficient confidence that their original decision to go ahead was correct. IMHO.

In fact the way it went may end up being a positive for approval.