Plizio Visual Lab

Las Cristinas Gold Mine

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Industrial site

Weather…

Las Cristinas is one of the largest undeveloped gold deposits in the world, located in the Sifontes Municipality of Bolívar State, Venezuela. The site has been the subject of intense international legal disputes and environmental concerns for several decades. Originally explored by multinational corporations such as Placer Dome and Crystallex, the project faced numerous delays due to regulatory changes and the eventual revocation of mining licenses by the Venezuelan government in 2011. The deposit is estimated to contain over 20 million ounces of gold, making it a strategic asset within the Orinoco Mining Arc. In recent years, the Venezuelan government has sought to develop the site through state-owned enterprises and joint ventures, amidst ongoing challenges related to illegal mining and infrastructure requirements. The potential extraction at Las Cristinas is seen as a key component for the country's economic diversification, though it remains a focal point for debates on sustainable mining in the Amazonian ecosystem.

📋 Practical info

🏭

What is this place?

Las Cristinas Gold Mine is among the largest gold deposits in Latin America, located deep in the resource-rich jungle of Bolívar. It is a major mining project with enormous economic potential for Venezuela.

🚪

Visiting

The mine is located in a remote, dense jungle region and is usually not accessible to visitors. Occasionally, helicopter flights are offered that provide an overview of the vast area.

👀

Where to view it

The best view of the mine is from the surrounding hilltops, which offer an elevated vantage point above the canopy. From there, the clearings and mine infrastructure can be seen.

🧺

Local products

The main product of the mine is gold, usually in the form of bars, with copper as a by-product. In the region, traders occasionally offer gold nuggets and jewelry from local extraction.

📆

Active season

Mining operations run year-round, with increased activity during the dry season from December to April. The rainy season from May to November hinders work due to flooding.

➕

Nearby

A visit to the mine can be combined with an expedition to Canaima National Park, famous for its tepuis and Salto Ángel waterfall. The gold mining town of El Callao also features cultural insights.