I don't completely know if this is directly related to mining...

I don't completely know if this is directly related to mining but at a guess I would think it is. Maybe the buyer yesterday and today already knew Simon was sealing this deal. Hopefully we get an announcement very shortly.

http://www.akipress.com/_en_news.php?id=103281

Kyrgyz government endorses project of simplification of system of licenses and permits
Bishkek (AKIpress) - From 563 licenses 390 were kept. The number of licenses should be cut to 213 most necessary licenses to ensure safety for citizens and the country, Minister of Economy and Anti-Monopoly Policy Temir Sariev said at the government meeting on February 28.

45 licenses were cut in the first stage and 128 licenses were reduced then making 173 licenses abolished in total, the Minister said.

The second stage should conclude in 2012.

The Kyrgyz government approved the project of simplification of the system of licenses and permits after discussions, reported Tazabek.