— The Trump administration is seeking greater U.S. access to Venezuela’s mineral resources, including gold and critical minerals, as Washington expands its push for influence over the country’s natural resources beyond oil, Reuters reports.U.S. officials have held discussions with mining companies about potential investments, while the administration has considered additional measures focused on critical minerals.
Treasury has already eased restrictions on certain transactions involving Venezuelan gold and other minerals, creating a pathway for U.S. companies to negotiate investments and provide some mining-related services.
Venezuela’s actual mineral wealth remains uncertain. Geological information is outdated, infrastructure is weak, and illegal armed groups control parts of the gold-rich Orinoco Mining Arc.
