"...that Phil is still pushing the EWC plan is what Ive heard. Hence I see this "disagreement" dragging, and also why you have yet to see a wriitten PA signed by the GOVT yet."
I guess that is one way to look at it.
In honesty Bert, I've grown weary and suspect of the phrase "I've heard". Are you repeating someone else's opinion, or do you have access to what I would consider high level information? Knowing Phil's temperament with regards current negotiations is info well beyond what Wayne Andrews would disclose.
This is not to say your remarks are invalid, you may very well be accurate. The use of "I've heard", however, gives them a level of credibility they may not warrant.
On another thread both Ken and Tree suggest EWC is a pawn to entice higher bids.
For all we know, perhaps a SM bidder, facing cost blow outs on other projects is requesting EWC to be in the mix.