Venezuela's interim president says country will work with US on mining developments

Venezuela and US to work together on mining developments, Rodríguez says 2 hours ago Share Save Ione Wells South America correspondent in Caracas Share Save Venezuela's interim president Delcy Rodríguez and US interior minister Doug Burgum have said the two countries will be working together to develop mining in the country. Burgum, who leads President Donald Trump's National Energy Dominance Council, met Rodríguez at the presidential palace in Caracas, in the second visit by a US secretary since the US strikes and seizure of Nicolás Maduro in January. Venezuela has already changed its law to allow more foreign investment in its previously nationalised oil sector. Now the government is planning for similar reforms of its mining sector. It hasn't yet revealed the details, but the leader of the country's Congress, Jorge Rodríguez, who is also the interim president's brother, said the reforms would allow "large foreign companies" to mine minerals and rare earth elements. As well as having the largest proven oil reserves in the world, Venezuela is rich in gold, diamonds, critical minerals and rare earth minerals - including some of those used in mobile phones. Illegal mining has expanded in the country, with many environmentalists condemning the deforestation and pollution. Many criminal gangs have illegal mining operations and allegations of political corruption are rife. The US accused Maduro - who is due to stand trial later in March in the US - and other members of his government of leading a criminal organisation involved in activities like illegal mining and drug trafficking. He always denied the allegations. Following the meeting between Burgum and Rodríguez, Trump said she is doing a "great job" and working well with US representatives. He added that the two nations had a "wonderful relationship" and that the US would benefit from "hundreds of millions of barrels of oil" that Washington was "taking out". He added that the US would "also make life wonderful for t...