The Ministry of Mining accepted application from CODELCO to extend CEOL, page-24

I agree the timing is cunningly perfect to try and manipulate lpi sp just before merger vote. its no coincidence imo. But seems to be too widely reported to be a fake news story imo. should be interesting to see how this plays out tho and maybe you are right. Yesterday I was a bit shocked but now I think that this is going to be good for us. I think that this move is so obviously going to blow up in the ministry of mining's face that the main affect from this is getting maricunga in the headlines for like weeks and months straight. which will get people watching this stock and new hands on the table . I am long and I think this is going to bring lpi up.

Also here is a link to the official SIMCO press release.