Two miners died trapped in clandestine mine controlled by police in Venezuela's Bolívar state

An alarming report from the organization SOS Orinoco details the deaths of at least two miners in July, who were trapped in an illegal gold mine located on the right bank of the Caroní River, near Lake Macagua in Venezuela's Bolívar state. The clandestine operation is allegedly under the control of the Waterways Directorate of the Bolivarian National Police (PNB), with the National Bolivarian Guard (GNB) overseeing land access.

SOS Orinoco shared on social media that the miners "died trapped in an accident in an illegal gold mine just minutes from Puerto Ordaz." The organization emphasized the proximity of illegal mining activities to urban areas, stating, "Illegal mining is already operating at the city's doorstep." Reports indicate that the mine's river access is controlled by PNB officials stationed at Lake Macagua, while the GNB maintains a checkpoint at La Chinita and another at La Ceiba, allegedly extorting miners daily.

According to SOS Orinoco, this illegal mine has expanded considerably, growing from 15 to 30 hectares since 2024. The organization warns that the operation poses a direct threat to the functioning of the Macagua Hydroelectric Power Plant and jeopardizes the country's electrical infrastructure. These activities are reportedly carried out for the financial benefit of PNB officials who manage the operations.

The alleged extortion scheme is reportedly led by the commander of the Waterways Police. Subordinate officials are accused of collecting daily "tolls" from miners at key checkpoints. This is said to occur in complicity with GNB personnel at the La Chinita and La Ceiba posts, who allegedly demand one gram of gold daily from miners. The situation highlights a dangerous nexus of illegal mining, environmental risk, and alleged corruption involving state security forces.