The Bank of Russia made the change to its pricing policy this year, saying it would buy from dealers at a level slightly below the benchmark London gold price.
Two ministers met with captains from the Indigenous tribe, however, activists say their complaints against the environmental and social impacts of the Orinoco Mining Arc tend to fall on deaf ears.
The race by Tesla, Samsung and other technology giants to secure supplies of lithium is creating a unique chance for two global mining superpowers to reap more value from their natural resources.