Engineer Aldo Cantafio: leadership and strategic vision at the heart of CVG Ferrominera Orinoco

President of Ferrominera, Aldo Cantafio

With nearly four decades of uninterrupted service at CVG Ferrominera Orinoco—Venezuela’s state‑owned company with more than 50 years leading the extraction, processing, beneficiation, and commercialization of iron ore—Engineer Aldo Cantafio embodies the commitment, technical expertise, and strategic vision that define the forefront of the national mining and steel industry.

From mine prospecting and development, extraction, loading and hauling, railway transport, processing, and beneficiation through pelletizing and hot briquetting, to the national and international commercialization of ferrous materials—no one knows the Venezuelan iron industry as he does.

Meet Aldo Cantafio, President of CVG Ferrominera

Born and raised in Ciudad Piar—considered the birthplace of the iron‑ore industry in Bolívar State and Venezuela—Aldo Cantafio grew up surrounded by the mining environment that shaped his early curiosity for production equipment and heavy machinery. This foundation would later guide his academic and professional path toward strengthening the productive sovereignty of the Guayana region and the country. His experience and knowledge have been essential to achieving strategic objectives across the national iron‑steel value chain.

As a student, Cantafio built a strong technical and academic foundation at the military high schools “Eleazar López Contreras” and “Cap. Pedro María Ochoa Morales,” where his character and core values were forged: honor, loyalty, discipline, leadership, responsibility, resilience, and camaraderie.

In higher education, Aldo Cantafio graduated as a Mechanical Maintenance Engineer from “Gran Mariscal de Ayacucho” University. He also holds technical degrees in Computing from “Nueva Esparta” University Institute and in Mechanics from the National Experimental Polytechnic University “Antonio José de Sucre” (UNEXPO). His comprehensive understanding of operational and technological systems prepared him to become part of the history of iron in Venezuela.

Institutional Career at CVG Ferrominera Orinoco

His career at CVG Ferrominera Orinoco—part of the Corporación Venezolana de Guayana (CVG)—is a testament to merit‑based growth. He has held key positions across the production fronts of El Pao, Ciudad Piar, and Puerto Ordaz.

Since joining the company in 1990, he has advanced through every link of the value chain. He began as a maintenance technician and later as a maintenance planning analyst, demonstrating the dedication and commitment that define his professional trajectory:

• Operational Leadership: successfully led the Los Barrancos Crushing Plant (PTLB) and the Heavy Equipment Superintendency.

• Senior Management: as Mining Manager and General Manager of Mining Operations (Ciudad Piar and Puerto Ordaz Divisions), he directed strategic planning for extraction, processing, and railway development.

• Executive Leadership: his management capabilities led him to assume the Presidency of the company in May 2023, from where he directs the nation’s principal iron‑ore producer with the support of the CVG.

Strategic Vision and Leadership at Ferrominera Orinoco

Throughout his career, Aldo Cantafio has maintained continuous professional development aligned with global advancements in the iron‑ore industry. His expertise includes mine planning systems, extraction and development, railway system planning and operations, and iron‑ore processing plants.

He is also knowledgeable in crushing and material‑handling systems, maintenance planning and management, mining systems, quality assurance for iron ore, and financial planning within the national iron‑steel productive integration model.

Cantafio has in‑depth knowledge of the geological profiles of the San Isidro ferriferous quadrilateral and of the equipment required for sustainable production fronts. His expertise includes the JORC Code for reporting exploration results, mineral resources, and ore reserves.

He also masters the full chain—from mine prospecting and development, extraction, loading and hauling, railway transport, processing, pelletizing, and hot briquetting, to national and international commercialization of ferrous materials.

A specialist in ISO 9000 and ISO 14000 Quality Management Systems, Engineer Aldo Cantafio is recognized for his proactive, continuous‑improvement approach, with emphasis on an Integrated Management Policy that encompasses quality, industrial safety, occupational health, and environmentally responsible practices.

His leadership is characterized by positive energy, workforce motivation, and strong mediation skills for conflict resolution.

A Commitment Measured in Tons

Ferrominera Toward 2026 Beyond operational indicators, his work has been recognized with distinctions such as the “Gran Sol de Angostura” Honorary Mention and the “Espiga de la Paz” Award. His commitment to territorial development is reflected in ongoing support for communities in the municipalities of Angostura, Caroní, and Piar, linking productive efficiency with local development and social well‑being.

Achieving positive results and sustaining production growth in recent months is a point of honor for the management led by CVG FMO President Aldo Mario Cantafio. He reinforces the need to promote import substitution through worker ingenuity and to make decisions based on impact analysis, anticipating scenarios and ensuring controlled responses to emergencies or extraordinary events through preventive action.

Today, Engineer Aldo Cantafio continues to lead the transformation of CVG Ferrominera Orinoco with a focus on industrial efficiency, guided by an integrated policy that combines quality, industrial safety, occupational health, and environmental impact control, while promoting technological sovereignty and strengthening human talent.