Venezuela Caroni River pollution due to gold mining

• The Caroni River, supplying drinking water to 80% of Bolivar state, is severely affected.

• The Guri Dam, fed by the Caroni, provides 72% of Venezuela’s electricity.

• Indigenous communities rely on tributaries of the Caroni for fishing and drinking water.

Pollution and Health Effects:

• Mercury contamination is widespread from gold processing.

• Venezuelan National Guard tests found high mercury levels in the Caroni River.

• Over half the population near the lower basin is mercury-contaminated.

• Bolivar has the highest rates of birth defects and Down syndrome in the country.

• Fish consumption has dropped sharply due to fear of mercury poisoning, affecting local diets.