Brazil's Struggle to Stop Illegal Gold Mining in Indigenous Territories

Despite government efforts to curb illegal gold mining in Brazil's Amazon rainforest, thousands of miners have flocked to a new site in Mato Grosso state. The protected Sararé Indigenous territory is heavily impacted, with extensive deforestation evident. President Lula has vowed to eliminate illegal mining, but high gold prices continue to drive unlawful activities.

As part of Brazil's efforts to tackle illegal gold mining in the Amazon rainforest, thousands of wildcat miners have swarmed a new site in the state of Mato Grosso, Greenpeace reported on Thursday.

Recent aerial photos taken by Greenpeace reveal extensive deforestation caused by mining activities on the Sararé Indigenous territory. Despite government crackdowns, including operations by federal police and environmental protection agency Ibama, illegal miners persist. Estimates suggest around 5,000 miners currently occupy the area.

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has pledged to eradicate illegal mining on Indigenous lands by 2026, following military-led evictions of miners in other regions. However, record-high gold prices have encouraged continued illegal activities, exacerbating issues like disease and malnutrition among the Indigenous Yanomami tribe. Satellite data indicates a surge in newly mined areas within Sararé, highlighting ongoing challenges.

(With inputs from agencies.)