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When people talk about “black gold”, many immediately think of oil, but few know that another natural resource with an equally impressive value has ignited a silent war in Brazilian forests.
Hidden in the depths of the Amazon, a little-known mineral, but extremely important for the global industry, has been the target of greed for many – and the consequences of this unrestrained exploitation are devastating.
From north to south of Brazil, cassiterite, composed mainly of tin, has emerged as one of the most valuable and, at the same time, dangerous resources for the future of indigenous lands and the Amazon rainforest.
The challenge of Yanomami lands
The numbers don't lie: Brazil has one of the largest tin reserves in the world, and this includes vast deposits of cassiterite spread across protected areas.
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According to the National Mining Agency (ANM), the country occupies the ninth global position in terms of reserves of this ore, a fact that places Brazil in a strategic position in the world market.
Cassiterite is used in a wide range of industries, from can manufacturing to high-tech components, making it essential for global production.
However, it is in indigenous areas, such as the Yanomami lands, that this natural wealth has triggered a fierce battle.
Since the beginning of 2024, federal government operations to combat illegal mining in these regions have intensified, culminating in the seizure of large quantities of cassiterite and the destruction of infrastructure used by miners..
The exploitation of this ore, which is often carried out using methods reminiscent of gold extraction, brings with it a series of devastating impacts on the environment and indigenous communities.
The removal of alluvial cassiterite from riverbeds, a common practice, results in the degradation of water bodies, increased turbidity and contamination by toxic waste. Recent government operations have resulted in a 75% reduction in illegal mining activities in Yanomami Land between January and July 2024, which has led to improvements in the water quality of local rivers.
The impact of illegal cassiterite mining
In addition to the environmental impact, illegal mining of cassiterite and other minerals has devastating social consequences.
Indigenous communities, such as the Yanomami, have suffered not only from the degradation of their territories, but also from health problems, such as mercury contamination and an increase in diseases, resulting from the massive presence of illegal miners.
Despite government efforts to eradicate illegal mining, miners continue to invade these areas due to the high value of cassiterite on the international market. According to the Rondônia Finance Department, a kilo of cassiterite can fetch up to R$107,55, while tin, which is the main component of this ore, can reach R$165,46 per kilo.
Operations such as “Catrimani II”, led by the Federal Police and the Armed Forces, have been crucial in dismantling these criminal networks.
In July 2024 alone, authorities seized 1.200 kg of cassiterite, in addition to other infrastructure used for illegal extraction. These actions not only reduced illegal mining, but also prevented additional damage to the environment and the health of indigenous communities.
The future of Yanomami lands in Brazil
The fight to protect Yanomami lands is far from over. Despite recent victories, the threat of illegal mining persists.
The government plans to continue inspection operations and expand public policies aimed at the health and food security of indigenous communities, which still suffer from the impacts left by decades of uncontrolled mining.
For many experts, recovering devastated lands and guaranteeing the autonomy of indigenous peoples will be ongoing challenges in the coming years.
The case of cassiterite in Brazil highlights the complexity of the relationship between economic development and environmental preservation, especially in a country with one of the greatest biodiversity in the world.
Will Brazil be able to balance the exploitation of its natural resources with the protection of its indigenous territories?
That must be why there are more than 100.000 NGOs... Oh blind people who don't want to see the obvious!!!! Wake up!!!
They are certainly already exploring and profiting from the region and the Indians receiving: mirror, necklace and whistle!
Extract wealth without destroying or polluting. Regulate and invest the profits in the development of the region as well as the indigenous peoples, integrating them into Brazilian society. This wealth will not remain buried forever, it has to be extracted.
Just give the Indians a good share of the profits and that will improve the health of the indigenous people and it will be good for the country's economy...
…what is the Army doing in the barracks??
Man's ambition destroys his own habitat.
The situation of our beloved Amazon rainforest is very worrying. May God have mercy on the indigenous peoples and on all of us and may there be an immediate solution to this issue.