Paper short abstract:

In this paper, I explore Pemon peoples' involvement in informal gold mining in light of the current economic crisis in Venezuela. I argue that the rhythms and temporalities of mining are compatible with other Pemon productive activities, and are consistent with local ways of dealing with abundance.

Paper long abstract:

In this paper, I look into the practice of informal (illegal) gold mining among Pemon peoples of La Gran Sabana, in Southeastern Venezuela, as a strategy to procure their livelihoods in light of the current economic crises in the country. Despite environmentalist discourses - reproduced by local NGOs and governmental officials - that present informal gold mining as a disruptive activity and position it against sound community living, the rhythms of mining are consistent with 'traditional' Pemón practices, such as swidden agriculture. Moreover, I shall argue that the temporality of the mine, specifically the instability of golden windfalls, are compatible with Pemon's strategies for dealing with sudden abundance.

The economic and political crises in Venezuela have significantly curtailed the power of attraction of the state, historically associated to its role as a redistributor of the nation's resources through the renta petrolera (oil rent). In this context of crisis, the gold mine has progressively displaced the Venezuelan state as the centre of people's expectations for material goods. The current economic crisis, thus, has not only transformed the relationships between local indigenous actors and the Venezuelan state but has re-shaped local notions of what constitutes a 'good life'.

In this paper, I will highlight the complementarities and continuities between mining and other Pemón productive activities, such as swidden agriculture. Moreover, I shall argue that the way in which people deal with mining bullas (commotions/windfalls) is consistent with Pemón strategies to counteract the disruptive effects of sudden abundance.