Trump administration allows some Venezuelan gold to be sold through US companies
US President Donald Trump’s administration on Friday issued a license to sell some Venezuelan gold through US companies, as Washington seeks to expand its exploitation of the South American country’s mineral wealth.
The US Treasury Department’s license allows for certain activities related to the sale, storage, or transportation of Venezuelan-origin gold for export to the United States.
The license also allows transactions related to gold refining in the United States, the world’s largest economic power, as well as its resale or export through a US entity.
The announcement comes shortly after a two-day visit by US Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to Venezuela, as the two countries say they are in the process of resuming diplomatic relations.
Borgum, who held talks with Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez during his visit, said dozens of companies had expressed interest in investing in Venezuela.
The Trump administration says its effectively taking over Venezuela’s vast natural resources after Maduro’s ouster.
In addition to oil, Venezuela is rich in minerals such as gold and diamonds, as well as bauxite, coltan and other rare materials used to make computers and mobile phones.
