Mibam Minisher Rodolfo Sanz meets Hecla workers; studies plan to continue operations at Crystallex' Revemin

VHeadline Venezuela News reports: Basic Industries & Mining (Mibam) Minisher Rodolfo Sanz has met workers from Hecla Mining in El Callao in an effort to resolve a +30-day labor stoppage at the Isidora goldmine over allegations that the US-based company has allegedly committed violations of workers' human rights.

Follwingf the meeting he told reporters "As we have repeatedly reported, mining companies involved in the exploitation of gold may not violate Venezuela laws, nor can they dictate workers' rights. They must comply with Venezuelan labor rights without affecting health & safety conditions."

Minister Sanz said that talks will now proceed to enable a restoration of mining operations so that the workers may return to work. He adds that his ministry, Mibam is complying with President Hugo Chavez Frias' instructions to resolve the conflict and permit a new order in Venezuela's mining sector and at the same time working to solidify the rights of the Venezuelan State to exercise control over contracts and operations."

He stresses that once activities have been reestablished at Hecla in El Callao, officials from Mibam will continue to review over the next six months of the CVG-Minerven contract with Hecla and did not rule out the possibility of rescinding Hecla's contract. Meanwhile, Minister Sanz also visited Crystallex International's Revemin plant and said that he is studying a plan for it to continue operations.