Venezuela to Boost Gold Despite US Sanctions

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro told media officials that his administration will continue to improve the production of minerals, particularly gold despite sanctions imposed by the United States.

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"Venezuela will never follow the orders of the U.S. empire and will continue to produce gold," Maduro said defiantly.

In early November U.S. President Donald Trump imposed new sanctions against Venezuela, banning U.S. citizens from involvement in the gold export trade with the country.

"It may sound crazy to prohibit the country from producing and selling gold," said Maduro, "but Venezuela will continue to obtain important gains in gold for public education, public health and people's housing."