The South American country, which is undergoing a profound transformation following the US ouster of leftist leader Nicolas Maduro, has the largest proven oil reserves in the world.
But it is also rich in gold and diamonds, as well as bauxite and coltan, a metal-containing mineral used in cell phones, laptops and other electronics.
The unicameral National Assembly unanimously supported the mining law in the second reading, announced the president of the assembly, Jorge Rodriguez.
Rodriguez, a former member of Maduro’s inner circle who now advocates liberal reforms, hailed the law as “a means of building future prosperity.”
Maduro was captured by US forces during the January 3 bombing of Caracas.
He was replaced by his former deputy, Delcy Rodriguez (Jorge Rodriguez’s sister), who proved willing to comply with US demands for the exploitation of Venezuelan oil and other key resources.
(Vijesti.ba / FENA)
