TLDR
- Maduro’s capture shifted global attention toward Venezuela’s oil, gold, and mineral reserves.
- President Trump said the US will control and sell Venezuelan oil to global buyers.
- Venezuela holds 161 metric tons of gold valued at $22.5 billion in central bank vaults.
- The Orinoco Mining Arc contains an estimated $1.4 trillion worth of untapped gold.
- $1.8 billion in Venezuelan gold frozen in the Bank of England may face legal review.
The capture of President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces on January 3 has shifted global focus from Venezuela’s politics to its resources. While most coverage emphasizes oil, analysts are now looking at gold and other untapped mineral wealth.
U.S. Signals Control Over Venezuelan Oil, Eyes Global Sales
President Donald Trump confirmed that the United States now controls Venezuelan oil assets following Maduro’s detention. Trump said, “We’re in the oil business,” and explained that the U.S. plans to sell Venezuelan oil to nations seeking supply.
Trump added that the U.S. will manage Venezuela’s oil production and revenue through recognized transitional authorities. These statements come at a time when global energy markets remain sensitive to geopolitical supply changes. The Venezuelan oil sector is among the world’s largest by reserves, drawing long-standing international interest.
$1.4 Trillion in Gold and Rare Minerals Draw Investor Focus
Apart from vast oil resources, a post on X by Shanaka confirms that Venezuela holds 161 metric tons of gold in vaults, worth $22.5 billion at current global prices. These reserves are deployable as collateral and accessible once internationally recognized governments assume control. The Orinoco Mining Arc is estimated to contain approximately 10,000 metric tons of gold, valued at over $1.4 trillion.
Venezuelan officials have also pointed to vast deposits of coltan, used in electronics and EVs, estimated at over $100 billion. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez said, “Regime change allows them to capture our energy resources, mineral resources, and natural resources.”
Gold prices rose 65% in 2025 and could rise further as the Bank of America targets $5,000 per ounce. Every $100 gain in gold price increases the value of Venezuela’s vault holdings by $518 million. The $1.8 billion in Venezuelan gold held at the Bank of England since 2018 may now be released. Several institutions are reevaluating Venezuela’s assets under the shifting political landscape. The control and monetization of these resources remain key issues heading into 2026.
The post After Maduro’s Capture, Venezuela’s $1.4 Trillion Gold Cache Grabs Attention: Will Global Gold Prices React in 2026? appeared first on Blockonomi.