These Chinese deals are usually for money up front and then "we" will finalize or release more of the details later when it's convenient to do so.

From what I read the Venezuelan Govt is barely producing enough oil to repay the debt on the upfront money loans already made to Chavez by the Chinese. So Chavez now has to offer them something else, maybe the rights to a gold field to get some more money?

IMO the Chinese also want to get as many agreements possible to exploit Ven resources.

I think this is all about Chavez grabbing quick money upfront to try and save his election.

The 3000 miners at LC cannot be happy about the Chinese deal.