Everything You Didn’t Know About Life in Venezuela

As the economy collapsed, thousands rushed into remote jungle areas to dig for gold. These mining sites were often controlled by armed gangs, guerrilla groups, or corrupt officials. Violence was common, and workers were often forced to follow strict, dangerous rules just to stay alive.

Mercury from the gold extraction process polluted rivers, poisoning fish and affecting Indigenous communities who depended on them for food. Reports also showed children working in the mines, exposed to toxic chemicals and unsafe conditions. What could have been a source of wealth instead turned into a dangerous, chaotic industry.