Here is another version of this article says VZ paying Jin Yan the
$31M they invested in the project:

Venezuela takes back Chinese-financed gold mine
The Associated PressPublished: February 26, 2009


CARACAS, Venezuela: Venezuela is assuming control of a gold mine
operated for six years by a Chinese-financed company.

Mining Minister Rodolfo Sanz says Jin Yan de Venezuela CA has decided
to halt operations. Its principal shareholder is China's Shandong
Gold Mining Co.

Sanz said Thursday that Jin Yan has voluntarily decided to give up
its concession for the Sosa Mendez gold mine in Venezuela's
southwestern Bolivar state.

Company president Ge Yuhuan told the regional daily newspaper Correo
del Caroni last month that the company hoped to turn over the mine in
a "friendly manner."

The daily reported Venezuela's government would pay Jin Yan $31
million for its investments in the mine.

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2009/...
Gold.php