Clay is the principal resource produced by the large gravel deposits here. Mineral deposits such as magnetite can be found along the Pacific beaches. Exploration to date indicates the existence of both large and small fields, with recoverable reserves of between 20 and 30 million barrels of petroleum of varying API gravity, from heavy crude to medium and light grade. Complete geological data, as well as data on exploration and extraction, have been compiled for each. Studies are available from the General Office of Hydrocarbons, under the Ministry of Energy and Mining, containing all information necessary to determine investment potential.
Final reports exist for over seventy wells.
These studies include analyses on geochemical and paleontological features, as well as on sediment and geological structure. Logistical considerations involved in extraction are addressed with maps indicating roads, geographic and topographic accidents, and exact location of wells. The parts and pieces can range from screws to pulleys to more complicated machinery. It is important to note that, in the area of metallurgy, as in other potential investment areas, Guatemala has a large, low-cost work force. The drawback business, begun in Guatemala at the beginning of the 1980's, has become increasingly important to the country's economy, registering Sustained growth for the past six years.