US Licenses Venezuelan Gold Sales Amid Accusations of Plunder
The U.S. issued a license on Friday authorizing dealings with Venezuela’s state-owned gold mining company, Minerven, a move signaling increased U.S. oversight of the South American nation’s natural resources. This decision followed a meeting between U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Venezuelan acting President Delcy Rodríguez, where security assurances for mining companies interested in investing were discussed. Notably, the license specifically prohibits engagement with Minerven by entities from Russia, Iran, North Korea, and Cuba, aligning with the administration’s strategy to counter China’s influence on critical minerals and support Venezuela’s economic recovery.