Delcy Rodríguez presided over the meeting of the Mining and Basic Industries Sector, announcing plans for steel production, bauxite, and housing
CARACAS, Jan 20 (NNN-TELESUR) — Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, led the Mining and Basic Industries Working Group meeting on Monday, focusing on the recovery of the national steel industry, the reactivation of industrial plants, and improving the quality of life for workers.
During the meeting, she reported on the reactivation of the Barquisimeto steel plant and emphasized that “what was once wealth for the oligarchy, today belongs to the people.”
Rodríguez stressed that “we are making an effort to recover economic stability” and noted that “the goal is to generate foreign currency.”
She also highlighted that “we have the resources to produce sovereignly and reactivate industries” and reiterated: “These are our natural resources for the Venezuelan people, for their well-being.”
The head of state reported that gold production in the public sector grew by 81% in 2025, and a 30% increase is projected for 2026, acknowledging the contribution of the private sector alongside the government.
She also noted that iron ore exports in the last quarter of 2025 were the highest in the last decade, with a target increase of 50% this year. Coal production registered a 260% growth in 2025, and is expected to exceed 100% in 2026.
The Minister of Ecological Mining, Héctor Silva, detailed the progress in reactivating the steel sector and the achievements in mining, including international certifications. Within the framework of the Bauxite Plan, sixty cargo trucks were delivered to strengthen the transport of materials and the dredging of bauxite on the river, key to ensuring aluminum production.
In addition, 90 homes were delivered to workers of the Venezuelan Guayana Corporation in Bolívar state, as part of the Ciudad Obrera (Workers’ City) program. The acting president emphasized that “all the materials for the construction of the homes are domestically produced” and reiterated: “We are consolidating major social programs” and “preserving peace, economic growth, and social justice.” — NNN-TELESUR