DENVER, Sept 8 (Reuters) - The president of Crystallex International (KRY.TO: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) said on Monday the Toronto-based company was encouraged with its recent discussions with the Venezuelan government on its Las Cristinas gold project.

"We are very encouraged by recent discussions that we've had with both the environment ministry and the mining ministry and we are well positioned to launch the construction phase of the Las Cristinas project upon receiving the permit," Cystallex President Robert Crombie told the Denver Gold Forum during a presentation.

On Aug. 22, Crystallex shares spiked after the Venezuelan government hinted the much-delayed Las Cristinas gold project may be closer to an official go-ahead.

The company learned in April Venezuelan's Environment Ministry was planning to deny the permit, but then was told in June it would reconsider the application if certain modifications to the project were made. (Editing by Carol Bishopric and Andre Grenon)