RE: ICM hike cancelledexcactly basher2006, it says nothing about private companies and that's why I provided an article (more current than the one you provided) that contains a cite of powerful FENCOMIN boss Andrés Villca that clearly says that suspension applies to private companies as well.
I have followed the local press quite closely during the last 2 weeks or so and FENCOMIN always made it clear that they are concerned about the whole mining sector including the (foreign) private sector. As the expert you try to appear at this board you should be aware the fact that Morales had offered the suspension of ICM-hike to the cooperatives before they started their marches to La Paz. Today I read an article that gave some indication that the cooperatives were supported by some former ministers that are rumored to be linked to private companies in the mining sector. Secondly it was clearly pointed out by FENCOMIN that they would prefer a progressive mining tax system (look through your article and you will find that "your" article contains this aspect as well.
Just take the Paca/Pulacayo example. APEX/APE leased the property from the Pulacayo cooperativa and negotiated a 3% NSR, the Pacamayo surface rights to artisanal miners and the employment of the workforce of the cooperativa workers. Probably this gives you the idea of why the cooperativas were fighting for the whole sector....
Could you give me some indication of your motives for posting at Stockhouse just negatively about APE and no other company?!
TIA
Art