Although Leonard and his group were mining in Central America, a place that could be considered lawless, due to the fact that they were directly operating the mine, they had to be mindful of their image in the process.
For example, they had to conduct proper environmental management, provide sufficient labor protection items for workers and security personnel, and offer a decent local-level salary.
It's not that the capital has become kind; it's just that reputation is apparently much more important to these people than squeezing money out of workers. At least, it's not worth damaging their reputation for an extra million or two euros per year.
Take the simplest example. The Earl was in the luxury jewelry business; once word got out that their subsidiary mine was exploiting workers, the company's value would be seriously damaged.
