The Government reported new progress within the framework of the 14 engines of the Bolivarian Economic Agenda. Photography: Presidential Press.
Guacamaya, January 19, 2026. The Acting President of the Republic, Delcy Rodríguez, led a working meeting of the Mining and Basic Industries engine this Monday, where significant advances in mining production and ambitious projections for 2026 were announced.
During the meeting, the head of state emphasized the effort of the Venezuelan government and acknowledged the importance of the private sector in advancing national alliances. The activity took place in the “Sol del Perú” Hall of the Miraflores Palace, accompanied by the Sectoral Vice President of Economy and Finance, Calixto Ortega; the Minister for Ecological Mining Development and President of the Venezuelan Corporation of Guayana (CVG), Héctor Silva; the Minister of the Presidency’s Office, Juan Escalona; and the Minister for Communication and Information, Miguel Ángel Pérez Pirela.
Rodríguez stated that increases are expected in the production of gold, iron, bauxite, and other strategic minerals for industrial development and foreign currency generation. “We have the resources to produce sovereignly and reactivate industries. These are our natural resources for the Venezuelan people, for their well-being,” she said.
Achievements and Projections in Gold Production
Gold production reached 9.5 tons in 2025, with growth of 81% in the public sector and 34.8% in the private sector, consolidating mining as a strategic axis for economic recovery and foreign currency generation. Rodríguez also announced a projected 30% increase for 2026, aimed at national economic development and support for athletes in the Olympics.
This push is based on equipment deliveries at the Sosa Méndez Mine in Bolívar for underground extraction. She also congratulated the private sector for its joint contribution with the State. “It is gold for the development of our people and the use of our resources for the happiness of the Venezuelan people,” she commented after reporting advances in mining infrastructure.
Advances in Iron, Coal, and Bauxite
Iron ore exports in the last quarter of 2025 were the highest in a decade, with projections of more than 50% growth for 2026. Coal production grew 260% in 2025, and is expected to exceed 100% this year through domestic effort. “This is Venezuela’s path,” Rodríguez affirmed, pointing to a sovereign vision of development.
Meanwhile, the Venezuelan Corporation of Guayana (CVG) will guarantee 33,000 tons of bauxite in the first quarter of 2026, supported by the delivery of 60 cargo trucks under the Bauxite Plan. CVG’s Executive Vice President, M/G Santiago Infante, from Puerto Ordaz, reported that this will ensure better flow of this resource, the main raw material for aluminum production.
Industrial Reactivation and Social Deliveries
Delcy Rodríguez announced the reactivation of the Barquisimeto Steel Plant to boost national steel production and exports. She noted that this corresponds to the relaunch of the sixth of seven productive units in the country. Only the activation of the Guarenas plant remains, which is already under intervention, according to CVG President Héctor Silva.
In parallel, 90 multifamily homes built entirely with national materials were delivered to CVG workers in Puerto Ordaz, within the framework of the “Ciudad Obrera” program. Workers from Bolívar State expressed gratitude for the housing and called for the release of President Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores. The project was built by the workers themselves since May 2025.
