Gold that could underwrite a democratic recovery is being sold and pledged by a contested authority, before Venezuelans have voted on who should manage it.
A miner pans for gold in the Orinoco Mining Arc, Bolívar state.
WHAT WE DO
Venezuela Decides follows every agreement the current administration makes over the country's gold, from the reformed mining law to export deals and the companies entering the sector. We document who is party to each deal, on what terms and under what legal authority. We also engage with public entities to take part in the discussions about Venezuelan gold held abroad. Decisions over this gold belong to a government chosen in free elections, and any agreement made before then must be open to scrutiny and review.
Asset protectionNEWS ARCHIVE
Newest first. Entries with less precise dates follow dated entries within the same period.
March 2026
United States officials brokered a gold deal under which the trader Trafigura would buy Venezuelan gold, and the United States reported bringing home a first shipment worth 100 million dollars.
This report concerns gold exported from Venezuela. It does not establish a transfer of the reserves held in London.
23 February 2026
Venezuela's gold reserves fell about 11 percent during 2025, even as the administration leaned on gold to raise hard currency.
19 January 2026
Delcy Rodríguez reported higher gold extraction and forecast growth of 30 percent for 2026, as the administration leaned on gold to shore up foreign currency.
19 January 2026
Delcy Rodríguez said Venezuela extracted 9.5 tonnes of gold in 2025, the base from which the administration promised further growth.
2026
Lawmakers approved a sweeping mining bill designed to entice wary foreign investors, opening gold extraction to outside companies.
Summaries from the editorial selection. Historical items retain their original dates.
DEMOCRACY. HUMAN RIGHTS. THE RULE OF LAW.