Op-Ed: Venezuela mining revival threatens isolated indigenous peoples

Venezuela's resurgence as a potential mining hub brings risks to isolated Indigenous peoples who depend on untouched forests. The country's diverse mineral wealth, including gold, bauxite and iron ore, has attracted global investors following the departure of President Nicolás Maduro. However, the Orinoco Mining Arc, Venezuela's key mining region, is plagued by severe human rights abuses and environmental degradation.

Forced labor, human trafficking and sexual exploitation occur alongside contamination of waterways and the destruction of forests. Indigenous communities, such as the Yanomami and Yekuana, face displacement and are forced to work at mining sites. Despite these dangers, Western companies and financial institutions are eyeing the Orinoco region amidst the global scramble for critical minerals.

Venezuela must now prioritize the protection of its uncontacted Indigenous peoples' forests from the expanding mining frontier. These communities, numbering over 196 in 10 countries, are self-sufficient and resilient but face existential threats from mining activities. Mining brings roads, workers and outsiders into remote territories, risking the rapid spread of infectious diseases among isolated peoples with little immunity.

To address these issues, Venezuela should first legally recognize the existence and rights of isolated peoples, protect their territories and establish effective buffer zones. Formal commercial mining should only proceed after rigorous due diligence, ensuring that companies do not encroach on protected territories or encourage illegal mining.

Compliance with Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) is mandatory under international law, as uncontacted peoples cannot provide consent. Responsible companies should also follow the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) standards, prohibiting mining on uncontacted territories.