CARACAS, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said Friday that his administration will continue to boost the production of minerals, and gold in particular, in spite of sanctions imposed by the United States.

"Venezuela will never follow the orders of the U.S. empire and Venezuela will continue to produce gold," Maduro said, referring to the latest sanctions imposed by Washington on Venezuela.

Earlier this month, the U.S. President Donald Trump slapped new sanctions against Venezuela, barring U.S. citizens and entities from involvement in the gold export trade with the country

"It may sound crazy" to prohibit the country from producing and selling gold, said Maduro, adding that Venezuela will continue to "obtain important gains in gold for public education, public health and people's housing."