Agapov

"All the gold is being sold illegally," said Mr. Agapov in a telephone interview from London.

Venezuela Moves to Take Over Gold Sector Kejal Vyas 2011

Rusoro produces about 100,000 ounces a year, about the same as the Venezuelan state produces, Mr. Agapov said.

Venezuela Moves to Take Over Gold Sector Kejal Vyas 2011

Mr. Agapov, whose father is a personal friend of Mr. Chávez, said he believed Mr. Chávez's words were directed to the many illegal mining operations which operate without government permits and use environmentally damaging practices, like mercury dumping.

Venezuela Moves to Take Over Gold Sector Kejal Vyas 2011

Andre Agapov, Rusoro's CEO, said he wasn't worried about the announcement.

Venezuela Moves to Take Over Gold Sector Kejal Vyas 2011

Perhaps because -- as Russians -- Agapov and his father, Vladimir, are more naturally unsullied by their exposure to 'Gringo'-style mindsets with regard to Venezuela and Venezuelans, Andre Agapov says the contacts they have forged between the Venezuelan and Russian governments is more tenable and productive than anything that his fellow Canadian miners have been able to achieve.

Agapov backing away from clincher deals on Las Brisas, Las Cristinas gold mines... 2009

That several months 'window of opportunity gives Agapov, Rusoro and the VenRus joint venture ample leeway to consolidate and develop a series of other holdings in southern Bolivar State while they simply wait for nature to take its course with regard to Gold Reserve and Crystallex International.

Agapov backing away from clincher deals on Las Brisas, Las Cristinas gold mines... 2009

Agapov backing away from clincher deals on Las Brisas, Las Cristinas gold mines ... yahooBuzzArticleHeadline = 'Agapov backing away from clincher deals on Las Brisas, Las Cristinas gold mines ...'

Agapov backing away from clincher deals on Las Brisas, Las Cristinas gold mines... 2009

Very much a family man, Agapov with his Russian-born wife Galina and children

NOT your stereotypical James-Bond type Russian ... Andres Agapov denies being an ex-KGB (SSB) spook! 2009

Agapov says the key to his group's successes in Venezuela has been "communication, communication, communication" working hand-in-hand with government officials through the arduous task of -- finally -- bringing a high degree of regulation to the country's mining sector after many decades of Wild West abandonment and internecine, guerrilla warfare among contending foreign exploiters of Venezuela's vast riches.

Agapov backing away from clincher deals on Las Brisas, Las Cristinas gold mines... 2009

OpEdNews - Article: Agapov backing away from clincher deals on Las Brisas, Las Cristinas gold mines ...

Agapov backing away from clincher deals on Las Brisas, Las Cristinas gold mines... 2009