I get the impression that one of the preferences is Indigenous...

I get the impression that one of the preferences is Indigenous companies but it does not exclude foreign companies. We have seen the issuing of thousands of artisanal license to locals. I feel they got the priority treatment firstly being small simple “one dude and a shovel” miners and secondly keep the natives happy for political reasons. The larger foreign outfits need more scrutiny but ultimately provide a better return to the government coffers. As long as foreign can fulfill the requirements license will come I am sure.