In addition to gold, the study also identified areas with potential for the exploration of other minerals, such as iron, copper, nickel and manganese.

Brazil is one of the largest gold producers in the world, but it still has great potential to increase its production and export of the precious metal. According to a report by the Geological Survey of Brazil (CPRM), released in April 2023, there are 94 Brazilian municipalities with favorable conditions for gold exploration, which could add around 30 tons to the annual national production.

The results showed that most of the municipalities with potential for gold are located in the North region, especially in the Amazon, where the largest reserves in the country are concentrated. Of the 94 selected municipalities, 51 are in Pará, 13 in Amazonas, 9 in Roraima, 6 in Rondônia and 5 in Amapá. Other states that stand out are Minas Gerais, with 7 municipalities, Bahia, with 4, and Goiás, with 3.

O The study also identified areas with potential for the exploration of other minerals, such as iron, copper, nickel and manganese. In total, 1.684 municipalities with mineral potential across the country were mapped.

The importance of this metal for the country's economy

The importance of gold in the Brazilian economy is undeniable. The country is recognized worldwide as one of the largest producers and exporters of this precious metal.. The gold industry plays a key role in generating jobs and economic growth in Brazil, in addition to contributing to the trade balance.

The CPRM report is an important tool to guide investments and public policies aimed at the mineral sector, especially at a time when Brazil is seeking recognition as a reliable gold producer on the international scene. According to data from the National Mining Agency (ANM), the country produced 120 tons of gold in 2020, making it the 13th largest producer in the world. However, it is estimated that illegal production is three times greater than legal production, which causes environmental, social and economic damage.

Gold potential in the Amazon: balance between preservation and exploitation of this precious metal

Among the municipalities mapped by the SGB, some are located in the Amazon, sparking a debate about mineral exploration in this sensitive and strategic region for environmental preservation. It is essential to find a balance between economic exploitation and environmental protection, ensuring the sustainability of mining activities.

A Illegal gold mining in the Amazon is a serious problem that affects not only the environment, but also human rights and national security. Illegal mining causes deforestation, pollution of rivers by mercury, conflicts with indigenous peoples and traditional communities, violence, slave labor and money laundering.

To combat this scenario, it is necessary to establish strict norms for environmental control and inspection, in order to avoid irreversible damage to the Amazon Forest. The adoption of sustainable practices in the extraction and processing of gold is essential to minimize negative impacts and ensure the preservation of this unique ecosystem.

Companies that extract and export gold in Brazil

In Brazil, the extraction and export of gold is carried out by several companies, including AngloGold Ashanti, Kinross Gold Corporation and Yamana Gold. AngloGold Ashanti is the largest gold producer in Brazil, with operations in Minas Gerais and Goiás. Kinross Gold Corporation has operations in Paracatu, in Minas Gerais, and Yamana Gold has operations in Jacobina, in Bahia.

According to data from the Ministry of Economy, the Brazil exported US$ 2,8 billion in gold in 2020. The main export destination was Switzerland, which imported US$ 2,2 billion in gold from Brazil. Other important destinations were the United States, which imported US$ 223 million, and the United Kingdom, which imported US$ 194 million.

Pyrite, the bright yellow mineral known as "fool's gold" for fooling the less experienced, can make fools rich!

It seems that "fool's gold" is not finished revealing its many secrets. In recent decades, pyrite (fool's gold) has been the subject of advanced testing and deep diving investigations. The discovery made in June of "an unrecognized third way that real gold can lurk inside pyrite" could change the way gold is mined.

The mineral pyrite was first called "fool's gold" when less experienced prospectors believed this bright yellowish material was real gold. During the California gold rush, prospectors were actually correct in their assumption that they would never profit from mining pyrite – there was no way to squeeze anything useful out of said mineral.

When faced with iron disulfide (FeS²), for prospectors in the 1840s, this meant they had more searches to do. It's better than dirt and stone, but it still wasn't worth keeping. Read the full story here.