In a significant diplomatic development, Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodríguez and U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum have announced a collaborative framework to revitalize Venezuela’s mining sector. The high-level meeting at Caracas’ presidential palace marks the second visit by a U.S. cabinet official since the January military operation that resulted in the capture of former leader Nicolás Maduro.
The Rodríguez administration, following recent reforms to attract foreign investment in Venezuela’s oil industry, is now preparing similar legislative changes for mineral extraction. Although specific details remain undisclosed, Congressional leader Jorge Rodríguez (the interim president’s brother) confirmed the reforms would permit major international corporations to exploit Venezuela’s substantial deposits of gold, diamonds, and critical rare earth elements essential for electronic manufacturing.
This cooperation emerges against a complex backdrop of environmental concerns and criminal allegations. Illegal mining operations have proliferated across Venezuela, drawing condemnation from environmental groups for causing widespread deforestation and pollution. These illicit activities have frequently been linked to criminal organizations and corruption within the previous administration.
The United States has formally accused Maduro—currently awaiting trial in the U.S. scheduled for later this month—and his associates of operating a criminal network involved in illegal mining and drug trafficking. Maduro has consistently denied these allegations.
President Trump praised the interim government’s performance, stating Rodríguez is doing a “great job” and maintaining productive relations with U.S. officials. He characterized the bilateral relationship as “wonderful” and highlighted American benefits from accessing “hundreds of millions of barrels of oil” while promising to “make life wonderful for the people of Venezuela.”
Despite the political transition, the presidential palace remains adorned with portraits of Maduro, including new posters featuring him and his wife with the hashtag “We want them back.”
In a joint press conference following the meetings, Rodríguez urged Venezuelan legislators to support the impending reforms to enable foreign investment. She notably claimed Venezuela was receiving “top marks… 20 out of 20” in its cooperation with international partners.
The delegation included representatives from more than two dozen American mining companies, described by Burgum as “some of the biggest, strongest, best mining and minerals companies in the world.” He emphasized that these corporations represent “billions of dollars” in potential investment and the creation of thousands of high-paying jobs for Venezuelans.