Venezuela has unverified amounts of minerals, metals and potentially rare earth elements, experts say. Many of these regions have guerrilla soldiers and armed groups engaging in illegal gold mining, experts say. Energy-intensive rare earths mining can also harm the environment. Critical minerals and rare earth elementsThe US Geological Survey designates 60 “critical minerals” vital to economic and national security. The list also includes 15 rare earth elements, such as cerium, dysprosium, neodymium and samarium.

Source: Egypt Independent January 11, 2026 15:12 UTC