Venezuela Illegal Mining Expands Despite US Reform Efforts
U.S. officials aimed to formalize Venezuela's mining sector after January 2026 changes, but observers report new mine sites covering 30.7 hectares in protected areas and increased criminal control.
US Seeks Formal Mining Sector in Venezuela
Following a U.S. military operation in January 2026 that removed then-President Nicolás Maduro, the U.S. has pursued efforts to establish a legitimate mining sector in Venezuela. In March 2026, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum traveled to Caracas with over a dozen mining company executives.
Their meeting with local officials focused on developing a regulated mining industry and displacing criminal groups from mine sites. Secretary Burgum indicated the economic potential of Venezuela’s mining sector could be worth billions.
Since January, Venezuelan officials have also passed new mining reform laws, targeted leaders of criminal organizations involved in mining, and conducted raids on illegal mine sites, aiming to attract foreign investment into the sector.
Illegal Operations Worsen, Criminal Control Tightens
Despite these governmental initiatives, observers report that the illegal mining crisis in Venezuela has worsened this year, rather than improved. Illegal mining has expanded, sometimes into protected zones, and criminal groups involved in mining have strengthened their hold across many parts of the country, according to advocacy group SOSOrinoco.
Cristina Burelli, founder of SOSOrinoco, stated that the criminal and legal ecosystem has not changed since Maduro’s capture, noting an increase in certain areas.
A recent SOSOrinoco report indicates that at least 26 armed groups, including gangs, mining “syndicates,” and guerrilla factions like the National Liberation Army (ELN) and FARC dissidents, remain active in mining regions.
Protected Areas See New Mine Sites
Tangible evidence of illegal mining expansion includes an August 2026 flyover and satellite analysis in Canaima National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Bolivar state. This revealed a new 30.7-hectare (75.9-acre) mine site within the protected area, adding to the over 300 hectares (741.3 acres) lost to mining expansion between 2024 and 2025.
That same month, another 5.8-hectare (14.3-acre) mine site was identified at the mouth of the Carrao River, which feeds into the Caroní River. Satellite data from the end of 2025 detected at least 49 dredges inside Canaima National Park, dozens more along the Caroní River, and 14 active mine sites along the Caruai River.
Yapacana National Park in Amazonas state also shows expanding mining activity, contributing to deforestation, pollution, and health issues for Indigenous communities.
Sourcing Challenges for Critical Minerals
Venezuela holds significant reserves of gold, bauxite, iron ore, and other critical minerals vital for global supply chains, including those supporting the clean energy transition. The April 2026 mining reform law, intended to curb organized crime and limit environmental impact, has been criticized by SOSOrinoco as insufficient, with little practical change on the ground.
In August 2026, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) called for robust guarantees on environmental and social assessments, public information access, and consultation with Indigenous communities, who are disproportionately affected.
Asian manufacturers and procurement teams sourcing critical minerals for building materials, interiors, and FF&E should note the ongoing instability in Venezuela's mining sector. Verifying the ethical and sustainable origin of materials from this region remains a significant challenge, requiring enhanced due diligence for supply chain integrity.
Get The Materials Brief.
The week in materials, projects and sourcing, every Tuesday. Free.
