Venezuelan Lawmakers Approve Sweeping Mining Bill to Attract Foreign Investors
Venezuelan lawmakers have approved a comprehensive mining bill aimed at regulating the sector and attracting foreign investment following the January 2026 deposition of President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces. The legislation, introduced by acting President Delcy Rodríguez, seeks to address decades of exploitation by criminal groups and military officials who have profited from illegal mining operations. Key provisions include establishing clear categories for mining scales, allowing independent arbitration to protect assets from government seizure, and banning high-ranking officials from holding mining titles. This move comes after two decades of asset seizures and the designation of vast territories as mining zones, which led to rampant informal operations and human rights abuses. The bill now awaits constitutional review by the country's high court before implementation.
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Venezuelan Lawmakers Approve Sweeping Mining Bill to Attract Foreign Investors
Venezuelan lawmakers have approved a comprehensive mining bill aimed at regulating the sector and attracting foreign investment following the January 2026 deposition of President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces. The legislation, introduced by acting President Delcy Rodríguez, seeks to address decades of exploitation by criminal groups and military officials who have profited from illegal mining operations. Key provisions include establishing clear categories for mining scales, allowing independent arbitration to protect assets from government seizure, and banning high-ranking officials from holding mining titles. This move comes after two decades of asset seizures and the designation of vast territories as mining zones, which led to rampant informal operations and human rights abuses. The bill now awaits constitutional review by the country's high court before implementation.
AP News