US issues a license that authorizes sales of Venezuelan gold

The U.S. has issued a license that allows business to be done with Venezuela’s state gold mining company, Minerven. The move Friday signals the Trump administration’s intent to exercise more control over Venezuela's natural resources. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum met this week in Venezuela with acting President Delcy Rodríguez. He's also met representatives of more than two dozen U.S. mining and minerals companies. The license seeks to block people and firms tied to Russia, Iran, North Korea and Cuba from doing business with Minerven.