# Illegal mining in Canaima National Park > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/illegal-mining-in-canaima-national-park > Updated: 2026-08-20T15:39:45.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. The environmental organization SOS Orinoco has reported the expansion of illegal mining within Venezuela’s Canaima National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Recent documentation identified a new 5.8-hectare mining site near the Playa Linda area at the confluence of the Carrao and Caroní rivers. These extractive activities are causing significant ecological damage, including deforestation, soil alteration, and mercury contamination. The pollution is reportedly spreading up to 100 kilometers downstream, threatening water sources and the livelihoods of local indigenous Pemón communities. Additionally, sedimentation from mining poses a risk to the turbines of the Guri Dam, a vital part of the national energy system. Reports suggest that some Pemón indigenous leaders are allegedly involved in business agreements with political and military figures to facilitate these operations, causing internal fractures within local communities. SOS Orinoco has criticized the Venezuelan government for repeatedly postponing urgent monitoring missions from UNESCO, emphasizing that international oversight is necessary to protect the park’s ecosystems and the rights of its inhabitants. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-20: Canaima National Park faces destruction from illegal mining SOS Orinoco warns that illegal mining is destroying Venezuela’s Canaima National Park, causing mercury pollution and threatening indigenous communities while the government delays UNESCO monitoring missions. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/canaima-national-park-faces-destruction-from-illegal-mining ### 2026-08-13: Canaima National Park faces new illegal mining threat NGO SOS Orinoco reported a new 5.8-hectare illegal mining site in Venezuela's Canaima National Park, warning of mercury pollution and threats to the Guri Dam's energy production. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/canaima-national-park-faces-new-illegal-mining-threat --- Cite as: Illegal mining in Canaima National Park. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/illegal-mining-in-canaima-national-park