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The U.S. administration is reportedly examining Venezuela's critical minerals resources as part of a broader push to secure supply chains for strategic materials. The move comes amid ongoing U.S. efforts to reduce reliance on China for critical mineral supplies. A CNBC crew that traveled to Caracas as part of a small group of news organizations accompanying the U.S. secretary of energy reported on new oil deals being struck in Venezuela, adding a fresh dimension to Washington's growing engagement with the country's natural resources beyond critical minerals.