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In the Amazon, Serra do Cachimbo hides an audacious and controversial nuclear project. Brazil, with support from Germany, almost entered the club of nuclear nations. Discover the secrets and challenges of this story!
In the heart of the Amazon, Serra do Cachimbo hides one of Brazil's most controversial secrets: an audacious nuclear project that aimed to place the country in the select club of nuclear nations.
During José Sarney's presidency, a technology exchange agreement with Germany promised to revolutionize the Brazilian nuclear program. This secret partnership not only generated controversies but also put Brazil on a dangerous and controversial path.
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In 1986, Folha de São Paulo revealed the existence of cement-lined pits in Serra do Cachimbo, intended for nuclear tests.
These cisterns, 320 meters deep, were part of a complex project inherited from the military. The surprise was great when Sarney revealed that the base's true purpose was to test an atomic bomb.
The Brazilian Nuclear Program and its objectives
The Brazil-Germany nuclear agreement, signed in 1975 by President Ernesto Geisel, aimed to transfer nuclear technologies to Brazil, including the construction of eight nuclear reactors.
However, United States interference prevented the transfer of German technology for the enrichment of uranium, forcing Brazil to develop its own system.
Sarney described how he was informed by the National Security Council about the proving ground in Serra do Cachimbo.
The region, considered safe after geological and hydrological studies, was chosen for nuclear tests. The site, operated by the Aerospace Technical Center, linked to the Ministry of Aeronautics, became a sensitive and controversial secret.
Impacts of revelation and political interference
The revelation of the nuclear program in Serra do Cachimbo significantly disrupted the government's plans. In 1988, the Senate asked for a commission to investigate the base, but the request was blocked.
According to experts, Brazilian nuclear development faced several political and external obstacles, culminating in the closure of the program during the mandate of Fernando Collor de Mello.
Collor visited Serra do Cachimbo, inspected the closure of the base and symbolically threw a shovel of lime over the explosion hole, marking the end of the nuclear project.
The challenges of the Brazil-Germany partnership
The Brazil-Germany nuclear treaty aimed to build eight nuclear reactors in Brazil, but of the eight reactors planned, only two have been completed to date, both in Angra dos Reis.
According to experts, the construction of a third was interrupted, and Serra do Cachimbo, initially intended for nuclear testing, began to be considered for the storage of atomic waste produced in Angra.
The role of the military in the nuclear project
The Brazilian nuclear program, inherited from the military, began to be revealed when the existence of the cement-lined pits in Serra do Cachimbo was revealed.
From that point on, Folha de São Paulo revealed that the site served as a proving ground for nuclear tests, causing great commotion and concern both nationally and internationally.
The complexity of the project and its secret nature indicate that Brazil was determined to become a nuclear power, despite facing external pressure.
Cooperation with Germany was essential, but US intervention created significant obstacles to the program's development.
The crisis of confidence and the end of the project
With the revelation of the nuclear program, confidence in Sarney's administration and the Brazilian government's intentions was shaken.
Political pressure increased, culminating in the Senate's request to investigate Serra do Cachimbo. However, this investigation was blocked, leaving many questions unanswered.
During Collor's government, the nuclear program faced its definitive end. Collor's visit to Serra do Cachimbo symbolically marked the end of the project, with the president overseeing the closure of blast holes and the end of nuclear operations.
The persistence of the nuclear legacy
Even after the official closure of the project, Serra do Cachimbo remains a symbol of Brazil's nuclear ambition. The site represents not only the country's attempt to join the club of nuclear nations, but also the political and technological challenges faced along the way.
The history of Brazil's nuclear program is a reflection of the complex international relations and aspirations of a developing country. The legacy of this period still echoes in politics and decisions regarding the use of nuclear energy in Brazil.
The importance of historical memory
The memory of the nuclear program in Serra do Cachimbo is a lasting reminder of Brazil's efforts to position itself on the global stage. Decisions made during this period still influence the country's nuclear policy and international relations.
Serra do Cachimbo remains a symbol of Brazil's nuclear past. The challenges and controversies faced show the country's determination to achieve nuclear technology, despite the obstacles. History continues to be studied and discussed, reflecting the importance of the Brazilian nuclear program.
And you, what do you think of this hidden chapter in Brazilian history? Do you believe that Brazil should resume its efforts to become a nuclear power? Leave your opinion in the comments!
I imagine Brazil having a dozen nuclear bombs, today we would be respected, but these Brazilian politicians have always been fools.