It is in indigenous territories in the Amazon that great mineral diversity is found, including the most precious ones such as niobium, gold, diamond, tantalite and cassiterite.

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Although the total estimated ore in the reserve is around 2,9 billion tons of niobium, the area cannot be exploited because it is located in indigenous territory and within the environmental protection areas of Pico da Neblina National Park and Reserve State Biology of Morro dos Seis Lagos

In addition to the Amazon, another large niobium reserve in operation on the planet is in the city of Araxá, in the region of Triângulo Mineiro and Alto Paranaíba. In Araxá alone, reserves are estimated at more than 800 million tons of ore, enough volume to guarantee even more than 100 years of production, maintaining the current demand. But if mineral deposits in underground rocks are considered, the exploration capacity is estimated at more than 400 years.

Currently, the niobium produced in Minas Gerais by CBMM is exported to more than 50 countries, with greater potential to supply steel companies.

Exploitation of precious minerals in indigenous areas

According to the manager of Geology and Mineral Resources at CPRM-AM, Marcelo Almeida, even carrying out research in indigenous territories needs to be authorized. He reports that the indigenous people themselves mine reserves in the Amazon, despite the fact that the practice is considered illegal.

It is in the Amazon forest in indigenous territories that the most precious ores are found, such as gold and diamond located in the West of Roraima; in the Upper Rio Negro where gold and tantalite are concentrated; in the south of Amazonas, on the Preto stream there is cassiterite. “Occasionally, the reserve area located on the Preto creek is retaken by miners.

For mineral exploration to be legalized, it is necessary to issue environmental impact reports and obtain environmental and research licenses, among other documents; in addition to paying taxes.

Almeida defends the legalization of mineral extraction in indigenous lands, since the institution of organized companies can be the way out against the proliferation of illegal mining. “From the moment the Indian is acculturated and needs to use financial resources to cover his expenses

For him, “it's better to have mining that is controlled, that will generate jobs and collect taxes. In addition to being charged for environmental damage that is caused”.

use of niobium

The metal is used on a larger scale in the production of special steels and superalloys. Niobium has a “refining” function. Only 400 grams per ton are enough to generate lighter and more resistant steels.

Niobium is sold in the form of ferroniobium alloy (with about two-thirds of niobium content and one-third of iron) and used in automobiles, airplane turbines, gas pipelines, ships, MRI machines, particle accelerators, lenses and even piercings and jewelry.