Venezuela: As the US eyes the Guiana Shield’s minerals, can a peak in it which inspired sci-fi remain unscathed?

The majestic Mt. Roraima, a natural wonder nestled within the ancient Guiana Shield, is far more than just a geographical landmark. Its surreal, table-top landscape, known as a 'tepui', famously inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's seminal 1912 novel, 'The Lost World', cementing its place in literary history and capturing the imagination of generations. However, this pristine, biodiverse region is now at the nexus of burgeoning geopolitical and economic interests, particularly from the United States, driven by the global race for critical mineral resources.

The Guiana Shield, one of the oldest geological formations on Earth, spanning parts of Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and Brazil, is a treasure trove of biodiversity and mineral wealth. It boasts significant deposits of gold, diamonds, bauxite, iron ore, and increasingly critical rare earth elements essential for modern technologies, renewable energy, and defense industries. The background to the current interest lies in the escalating global demand for these minerals, coupled with a desire by major powers like the US to diversify their supply chains and reduce reliance on single dominant suppliers, notably China, which currently controls a significant portion of the world's critical mineral processing.

What has brought this region into sharp focus is the complex interplay of resource nationalism, territorial disputes, and strategic economic interests. Venezuela, holding a significant portion of the Guiana Shield, including Mt. Roraima, has historically struggled with economic instability despite its vast oil reserves. Its territorial dispute with neighboring Guyana over the Essequibo region, which encompasses a large, resource-rich area of the Guiana Shield, has recently escalated. This dispute, dating back to the 19th century and adjudicated by the International Court of Justice, has seen renewed tensions as Guyana discovers significant offshore oil and gas reserves, and as the mineral potential of Essequibo becomes clearer. The US's 'eyes' on the region are driven by a strategic imperative to secure access to these vital minerals, viewing it as a potential alternative source to bolster its industrial base and national security.

Key stakeholders in this unfolding scenario are numerous and diverse. **Venezuela** is a primary claimant to a large part of the Guiana Shield, balancing its need for economic development with political stability and international relations. **Guyana**, a smaller nation, finds itself at the center of a major geopolitical chess game, navigating its territorial integrity against a larger neighbor while seeking to capitalize on its newfound resource wealth. The **United States** acts as a strategic player, seeking to secure critical mineral supplies and maintain influence in the Western Hemisphere. **Indigenous communities** living in the Guiana Shield are crucial stakeholders, as their ancestral lands are directly threatened by mining activities, raising concerns about land rights, cultural preservation, and environmental justice. **Multinational mining corporations** are the commercial actors, driven by profit motives, while **environmental organizations** and global conservation bodies advocate for the protection of the Guiana Shield's unique and fragile ecosystem.

For India, this situation carries significant implications. As a rapidly developing economy with ambitious goals for manufacturing, infrastructure, and renewable energy, India's demand for critical minerals is set to skyrocket. Understanding global resource hotspots like the Guiana Shield and the dynamics of their exploitation is crucial for India's **resource security**. India is heavily reliant on imports for many critical minerals, and geopolitical shifts affecting supply chains can have direct economic consequences. Moreover, India's foreign policy, guided by principles of non-alignment and sustainable development, as enshrined in **Article 51** of the Constitution (promoting international peace and security, maintaining just and honourable relations between nations, fostering respect for international law), would advocate for peaceful resolution of disputes and environmentally responsible resource extraction. India's commitment to environmental protection, reflected in **Article 48A** (Directive Principle of State Policy to protect and improve the environment) and **Article 51A(g)** (Fundamental Duty to protect and improve the natural environment), aligns with the global concern for preserving biodiversity hotspots like the Guiana Shield. India's own **National Mineral Policy (2019)** emphasizes the need for sustainable mining practices and securing mineral resources through international collaborations, making the developments in regions like the Guiana Shield highly relevant.

The historical context of resource exploitation in Latin America, marked by colonial legacies and the 'resource curse' phenomenon, looms large. The future implications are multi-faceted: there is a significant risk of severe **environmental degradation** to the Guiana Shield's irreplaceable biodiversity due to unchecked mining. **Geopolitical tensions** between Venezuela and Guyana could escalate, potentially drawing in other regional and global powers. The economic benefits for local populations could be substantial but also carry the risk of fueling corruption and exacerbating social inequalities if not managed transparently. The plight of **indigenous communities** could worsen, with increased displacement and loss of traditional livelihoods. Ultimately, the fate of Mt. Roraima and the broader Guiana Shield will be a litmus test for how the world balances critical resource needs with environmental stewardship and the rights of indigenous peoples in the 21st century.