Nationalization completed today...looks good for uChavezformalizes nationalization of gold industry
AssociatedPress,08.23.11, 03:53 PM EDT
CARACAS,Venezuela -- President Hugo Chavez signed a decree on Tuesday formalizing thenationalization of Venezuela's gold mining industry, a move aimed at giving thegovernment total control over gold produced in the South American country.
Speakingduring a televised speech, Chavez also announced the repatriation of $11billion in Venezuelan gold reserves currently held in U.S. andEuropean banks would begin within several weeks. Chavezdid not offer details how the new decree differs from a 1965 law thatnationalized gold mining. In 1977, the government granted itself exclusiverights to extract gold. But he suggested it would give authorities increasedpowers to evict wildcat miners from illegal mines.
Thepresident said that officials have contacted representatives of the Russiancompany Rusoro Mining Ltd., which controls one of Venezuela's most important goldmines, to continue joint gold mining operations.
Looks like we are the "chosen" and only ones allowed to mine there.