Venezuelan Armed Forces Shut Down Illegal Gold Mine After Deadly Collapse

The Venezuelan armed forces have confirmed the complete shutdown and evacuation of the illegal La Bulla Loca gold mine in Bolivar state. The mine, located within the La Paragua Forest Reserve, claimed at least 16 lives when it collapsed in February 2023. Authorities have expelled around 10,000 people from the illegal mine.

Since last year, some 14,000 illegal miners have also been evicted from the Yapacana National Park in the neighboring Amazonas state. The illegal mining activities have been described as "ecocide," causing deforestation, water contamination, and exploitation of Indigenous communities.

President Nicolas Maduro has ordered the deployment of the armed forces to counter the illegal mining problem, which he says is "destroying the Amazon of South America... and Venezuela." The evacuation of La Bulla Loca began in February after the open-pit mine caved in, with locals reporting a higher death toll than the official count of 16.

Why this matters: The shutdown of illegal mines in Venezuela highlights the environmental and human costs of unregulated mining activities in the Amazon region. It also emphasizes the challenges faced by authorities in combating illegal operations that attract workers from neighboring countries.

Activists have denounced the "ecocide" in the region and the exploitation of children working in the mines without protection. Authorities say the illegal miners engage in activities like tree-felling, water contamination, and harmful underground drilling that damage the environment and Indigenous communities.

However, rights activists have criticized the excessive use of force during the evictions of illegal mines, where foreigners from Colombia, Brazil, and Ecuador also operate. The Bulla Loca mine in Venezuela's Bolivar state has now been closed and evacuated, according to the armed forces' operational command, in an effort to address the significant environmental damage caused by the illegal operation, including the creation of large craters and the felling of dozens of trees.

Key Takeaways

• Venezuelan armed forces shut down illegal La Bulla Loca gold mine, evacuating 10,000 people.
• 14,000 illegal miners evicted from Yapacana National Park, causing deforestation and water contamination.
• President Maduro ordered military deployment to combat illegal mining, described as "ecocide" in the Amazon.
• Activists criticize excessive force used during evictions, with foreigners also operating in illegal mines.
• La Bulla Loca mine closed due to environmental damage, including large craters and tree-felling.