Threat of non-metallic mining on the integrity of the Tocuyo River basin, Lara state, Venezuela

Abstract

There are various conflicts of usage in the Tokuyo River Basin of Lala Prefecture. The contradiction is that in a semi-arid and water scarce area, the soil has many natural resources, among which the most prominent are non-metallic minerals ((NMM), such as silica, the best clay and a series of decorative stones in the country. The public policies of the State and local governments prevail in this territory. They encourage NMM mining, therefore, criticism of an extractivist economy that has historically dominated the country arises. Through an exhaustive documentary review, results show that there are few references to environmental impact studies associated with NMM mining. There is evidence of open-pit mining near rivers and streams, which exposes areas to erosion and sediment production due to the typical erratic rains that affect the Tocuyo, Morere, Diquiva and Curarigua rivers. The promotion of mining activities by economic interests without the independent participation of environmental institutions puts the integrity of the basin at risk. The situation requires the activism of social movements to denounce the impacts that put, among other things, the future availability of water for human consumption and food production at risk.