The artisanal and small scale activity is illegal as a result of Decree 8413, which was extended twice. William Urdaneta Photo / File

Natalie Garcia

The nationalization of gold, according to Decree 8,413, keeps the economy of southern Bolivar in check. The legal instrument dated September 16, 2011 "State reserves to exploration and exploitation" of metal and marginalized small-scale mining, with imprisonment criminalizándola.

The application of the law was extended twice, with 180 days respectively. One year ago the last extension and the sector is still in the same place as in 2012: the expectation of a change to allow miners incorporate small business.

Abelardo Diaz, president of the Mining Federation of Bolivar state, ensures that nothing has changed, except that fuel is becoming increasingly scarce, despite the military controls and there are few permits for associations, which do not are respected.

"This (the decree) paralyzed the southern state, it is amazing what we are experiencing. We are waiting for action but nothing, "he says.

Mining now shifted to the Ministry of Petroleum and Mining, headed by Rafael Ramirez, also president of Petroleos de Venezuela (PDVSA).

"The fact that all trades, and that's the big problem. We have proposed that the mines depend on a separate ministry, where part CVG, CVG Tecmin and Ingeomin. Fair enough, not ideal, but they do not listen ".

Diaz reported that during the Government Efficiency traveled to Puerto Ordaz Street to try to deliver a proposal to President Nicolas Maduro but it was impossible. "We wanted to but could not, did not reach the president and things are worse. They did not take into account mining for anything, expect an announcement, an opening, but no. It is unfortunate that the second most important of Venezuela is as is. "

The president of the Mining Federation, as well as indicating a clear "stagnation" of the sector, said it is increasingly obvious lack of control in the fuel, which is allegedly diverted for other purposes in municipalities such as Angostura (La Paragua) and sifontes (kilometer 88).

"This week we will meet with leaders and communities miners. Fuel not reaching partnerships with permission, fails to indigenous communities, there is a deviation that must be investigated, "he said.