NGO denounces new illegal mine in Venezuela's UNESCO-listed park

The environmental NGO SOS Orinoco has denounced the emergence of a new illegal gold mine, spanning 5.8 hectares, within Venezuela's Canaima National Park. This protected area, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is home to the Angel Falls, the world's highest waterfall.

The newly identified mining operation is situated near Playa Linda, at the confluence of the Carrao and Caroní rivers in Bolívar state. According to SOS Orinoco, the illegal mine is reportedly driven by Pemón indigenous leaders from Sector 2 of Canaima, working in coordination with political figures and military personnel. This alleged collaboration is said to be causing significant internal divisions within the indigenous communities.

SOS Orinoco issued a stark warning about the environmental consequences, noting that mercury used in the mining process disperses up to 100 kilometers downstream. The resulting sedimentation poses a threat to the operational lifespan of the turbines at the Guri Dam, a critical component of Venezuela's energy infrastructure. The NGO has documented over 1,800 hectares of illegal mining within Canaima and identified 49 active dredgers operating in the Caroní River, which flows entirely within the park's boundaries. SOS Orinoco urged Venezuela to address the situation, stating, "Canaima cannot wait any longer."