Current legal framework
- LOPCYMAT (Occupational Health & Safety Act): Broad OSH foundation.
- Decree 638 Mining Safety Regulation: Exposure limits, ventilation, PPE, emergency plans.
- COVENIN 2390 & 2253 Standards: Silica dust, gases, vibration thresholds.
- Resolution 2600 – MDME: Audit protocols, incident reporting, penalties.
Key company duties
- Certified risk-management programs reviewed annually.
- Mandatory 16-hour training per worker each year.
- Quarterly environmental monitoring by ISO 17025 labs.
- Incident reports to INPSASEL within 24 h; corrective plans within 10 days.
Sector impact
| Indicator | 2018 | 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lost-time injuries/1 000 workers | 14.2 | 9.8 | -31 % |
| Fines for non-compliance (MM USD) | 5.1 | 2.3 | -55 % |
| ISO 45001-certified plants | 4 | 17 | +325 % |
Stricter enforcement has cut accidents and boosted Venezuelan miners’ ESG scores.
Compliance challenges
- Inspector shortage (1 per 14 active mines).
- Aging facilities in small-scale and semi-industrial plants.
- Illegal mining operates outside any safety controls.
Improvement opportunities
- Blockchain audit logs for transparent inspections.
- Tax breaks for firms adopting next-gen PPE and IoT monitoring.
- Technical-aid programs to bring artisanal cooperatives under the same rules.
Conclusion
Venezuela’s mining-safety framework has progressed, yet success hinges on effective oversight, tech upgrades and public–private partnerships. Meeting—and exceeding—regulations not only avoids fines: it lifts productivity, draws investment and saves lives.