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More than 3 operations, 33,5 kilos of gold confiscated and R$245 million in losses from illegal mining mark the largest offensive ever recorded in the Yanomami Indigenous Land

Written by Rafaela Fabris
Published 03/12/2024 às 17:21
More than 3 operations, 33,5 kilos of gold confiscated and R$245 million in losses from illegal mining mark the largest offensive ever recorded in the Yanomami Indigenous Land
3 actions, 33,5 kilos of gold seized and 397 camps destroyed: historic offensive against mining in the Yanomami Indigenous Land (Image: Representation)

Since the Government House was established in the Yanomami Indigenous Land (TIY) in March 2024, the fight against illegal mining has gained unprecedented strength. With more than 3.035 operations carried out until November, the actions have dismantled a criminal network that exploits resources such as cassiterite, mercury and, of course, gold. This year alone, 33,5 kilos of the mineral were confiscated, including a 21-kilo load valued at R$10 million, seized by the Federal Highway Police in November.

The Government House is leading a strategy that mobilizes several federal agencies to protect the largest indigenous land in Brazil, with its 9,5 million hectares. The results of the operations so far are impressive: 397 criminal camps destroyed, 996 engines and 108 thousand liters of diesel destroyed. In addition, 22 aircraft, 86 vessels and 118 tons of cassiterite, and more than 30 kilos of gold were taken out of circulation.

More than just numbers, these actions represent a structural blow to illegal mining and its devastating impacts on the environment and the Yanomami, Ye'kwana and Sanöma communities.

Decline in new mining and seizure of gold

More than 3 operations, 33,5 kilos of gold confiscated and R$245 million in losses from illegal mining mark the largest offensive ever recorded in the Yanomami Indigenous Land
Patrolling of the Yanomami Indigenous Land is carried out by agencies such as the Federal Police, the Armed Forces, the Federal Highway Police, Ibama and Funai, under the coordination of the Government House. Illegally extracted gold is generally sold on national and international black markets, with frequent routes to Venezuela and other regions of South America.

One of the most significant achievements was the historic reduction in the opening of new mines. From March to November 2024, new areas fell by 96,3%, from 1.002 hectares in 2022 to just 37 hectares this year. Between September and November, there were no new invasions in the TIY.

On the seizure front, the highlight was the capture of 21 kilos of gold, hidden in a car traveling from Manaus to Venezuela. This million-dollar cargo is part of a total of 33,5 kilos confiscated in 2024, which points to a robust interruption in illegal shipping routes.

Financial impact and environmental protection

As financial losses imposed on illegal mining infrastructure already exceed R$245 million. But the benefits go further: in addition to weakening criminal networks, the operations are helping to preserve one of the most biodiversity-rich territories in the world and ensuring the safety of indigenous communities that directly depend on this ecosystem.

With more than 3 operations carried out in less than a year, the fight against illegal mining is a milestone in the Federal Government's commitment to protecting the Yanomami territory and national sovereignty. And gold, a symbol of wealth and greed, has also become one of the main targets in the search for environmental and social justice.

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Jose Clenicio Lima Silva
Jose Clenicio Lima Silva
04/12/2024 05:50

Lie, now there is only mining on indigenous lands if the federal government persecutes the factions, the PCC and CV, there would be no more crime in Brazil, but persecution is only for the native miners to pass the gold reserves to the Chinese mining companies, this government is so loving, Luis Inácio Lula da Silva is the biggest **** in the political history of Brazil, Brazil will only be free from this **** if there was a civil war.

Gian Andres
Gian Andres
In reply to  Jose Clenicio Lima Silva
04/12/2024 05:51

I find this perception simplistic and lacking in information that does not reflect the true complexity of the matter. And just as the recent increase in the cost of crimes allows us to clearly and obviously perceive the burden of the government's commitments to the PCC, what do you expect in terms of security guarantees considering the rights and individual rights of Chinese mining companies to reserves on indigenous land?

Jorge Hafner
Jorge Hafner
In reply to  Jose Clenicio Lima Silva
04/12/2024 06:44

WITH THIS POPULATION OF LAMBS THERE WILL ONLY BE CIVIL WAR IN THE HOUSE OF ****

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Rafaela Fabris

It discusses innovation, renewable energy, oil and gas. With over 1.200 articles published in CPG, it provides daily updates on opportunities in the Brazilian job market.

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