US-Venezuelan Deal to Control the 'Orinoco Arc'... A Treasure of Rare Minerals Larger than Cuba

Details are gradually emerging about the unprecedented visit by US Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum to Caracas, where he met with interim Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez to discuss a broad economic agreement focusing on exploiting the country's mining resources.
According to Venezuelan media leaks, discussions are underway to open the door for American companies to invest in the 'Orinoco Mining Arc', one of the largest mineral-rich areas in Latin America.

Orinoco Arc... A Reservoir of Rare Minerals

The Orinoco Mining Arc is one of the most important mining projects in Venezuela, covering an area of nearly 120,000 square kilometers, which exceeds the area of entire countries like Cuba and Portugal.
The region is rich in massive mineral wealth, including:
gold
iron
copper
bauxite
coltan
kaolin and dolomite
These resources are essential for technological and energy industries, making them a crucial focus in the global competition for strategic minerals.

Gold at the Heart of the Deal

Axios revealed that the administration of President Donald Trump is negotiating with the Venezuelan state mining company Minerven to reach a multi-billion dollar agreement.
The American proposal includes purchasing a ton of gold extracted from the region at an estimated value of $165 million, to be supplied in the form of 'Dory' bars, a mixture of gold and silver.
According to leaks, Trafigura will transport the gold to refineries within the United States for re-refining according to global standards before it is released into the markets.

Mineral Wars Between America and China

These moves come amid rising global competition for rare minerals, as Washington seeks to secure new sources of strategic resources in the face of China's increasing influence in the global mining sector.
Observers believe that the Orinoco Arc could become one of the most important sources of minerals needed by American industries, especially those related to technology and clean energy.

Debate on Sovereignty Within Venezuela

The leaks regarding the agreement have sparked a wave of criticism within Venezuela, with political factions accusing the interim government of making significant concessions to Washington in exchange for political and economic support.
Critics fear that the agreement could grant American companies extensive influence over the management of Venezuela's mineral wealth, potentially opening a heated debate about the country's economic sovereignty.

Security Challenges in Mining Areas

Despite the economic temptations, controlling the area is not an easy task. The regions in Bolívar and Amazonas states are witnessing extensive activity from armed groups and smuggling gangs that control parts of the mining areas.
International reports indicate that some of these groups include elements from armed movements such as the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the National Liberation Army of Colombia.
These groups exploit illegal mining of gold and diamonds, making the area a battleground between economic interests and a complex security reality.

Natural and Environmental Wealth at Risk

In addition to its economic value, the region contains immense natural wealth, including Angel Falls in southern Venezuela, the highest waterfall in the world.
Environmental organizations warn that the expansion of mining could pose a threat to the tropical forests and natural reserves in the area.