The much bigger and maybe allied problem is that if there is...

The much bigger and maybe allied problem is that if there is some sort of land rush / gold rush going on that the usual bad behavior allied to greed occurs and could potentially sour relations in Ecuador. Assuming the locals are relatively less sophisticated & powerful (monies) people and carpetbaggers appear on their door step. They will be subject to temptation to corruption.

Now Solg is always trying to put the case that they are good corporate citizens and The newer Ecuadoran government is trying to use their mineral wealth to develop the country but greed and a cargo cult are inherent human characteristics.

Firs tor early mover advantage si very important if for noting than to show what can be done e.g. Oil search in PNG but even there I see the landowners saying. You want to do phase two. Where's our promised share of money form phase 1? (and government officials returning about 40% of the 100+ Mercedes or better they bought for the one week APEC conference).