Venezuela's Science and Technology Minister, Jesse Chacon, says Iran has assisted his country in discovering uranium deposits.

“Aerial photographs of Venezuelan territory taken with Iranian assistance indicate deposits of uranium as well as gold, diamonds and coltan,” Chacon told reporters on Friday.

The minister added that the surveys were not solely focused on finding uranium, and are separate from efforts with Russia in developing nuclear energy.

According to Chacon, Venezuela plans to exploit the deposits to develop nuclear energy.

"We have every right to have uranium in our soil, and use it for the benefit of Venezuelans," he explained.

According to Venezuelan Mining Minister, Rodolfo Sanz, his country's uranium reserves are located in the mineral-rich state of Bolivar and in Tachira, which borders Colombia.

HRF/TG/DT