US Interior Secretary Visits Venezuela to Boost Mining Investment

U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum met Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodriguez in Caracas on Wednesday as Washington seeks greater involvement in the country’s mining sector and natural resources, according to officials and sources familiar with the visit.

Burgum arrived in Venezuela earlier in the day accompanied by representatives from more than two dozen U.S. mining companies. The visit focuses on potential foreign investment and cooperation in Venezuela’s resource sector, which holds large reserves of gold, diamonds and other minerals.

The U.S. delegation met Rodriguez at the Miraflores presidential palace alongside the American representative in Venezuela, Laura Dogu. Burgum also held discussions with executives from foreign mining companies operating in or considering projects in the country, sources said.

• US interior secretary Burgum visits Venezuela for mining talks
• Washington explores investment in Venezuela’s mineral sector
• Caracas plans mining law reforms to attract foreign companies

During the meeting, President Delcy Rodriguez said Venezuela would soon submit reforms to its mining law to the National Assembly. The government says the changes are aimed at attracting foreign investment and expanding development of the country’s mineral resources.

Rodriguez said the government wants to apply elements of its hydrocarbons legislation to the mining sector, pointing to earlier reforms intended to open oil and gas projects to outside investment.

Burgum said cooperation between the United States and Venezuela could support development of mineral resources and strengthen critical minerals supply chains used in technology and manufacturing. He also noted the importance of regulatory clarity and investment conditions for international companies.

Venezuela has some of the largest mineral reserves in Latin America, including deposits in the Orinoco Mining Arc region. However, the sector has faced years of limited investment, infrastructure challenges and regulatory uncertainty.

Officials say discussions during Burgum’s visit also covered broader economic cooperation and the potential role of U.S. companies in developing mining projects.

The visit comes amid shifting US–Venezuela relations following recent political developments in Venezuela. The United States has signaled interest in renewed engagement with the country’s energy and resource industries.

Also Read: US Senate Blocks Bid to Limit Trump War Powers in Iran War

Officials said Burgum is expected to hold additional meetings with government representatives and company executives during the trip. The talks will focus on investment frameworks, regulatory issues and potential partnerships in Venezuela’s mining sector.