Brazil’s operation against illegal mining in the Munduruku Indigenous Territory has led to the destruction of mining camps and equipment, alongside substantial fines for offenders. However, worries remain about the return of miners once security forces withdraw. A comprehensive strategy addressing both immediate enforcement and long-term socioeconomic support is essential to prevent ongoing illegal mining activities.
Brazil has initiated a bold operation aimed at evicting illegal miners from the Munduruku Indigenous Territory in the Amazon. Since the operation commenced in November 2024, an estimated reduction in illegal mining activities has occurred, with authorities destroying 90 mining camps, 15 vessels, and 27 pieces of heavy machinery. Furthermore, fines totaling 24.2 million Brazilian reais ($4.2 million) have been issued to offenders. Despite these efforts, residual illegal mining activity persists in certain areas, leaving local Indigenous communities concerned about the potential return of miners once security forces withdraw.
According to João Kaba Munduruku, a coordinator of the Pusuro Indigenous Association, while the operation has significantly reduced the influx of non-Indigenous miners, fears remain that they could return. The government has conducted 523 operations under the Munduruku Indigenous Land Removal Operation (OD-TIMU), resulting in substantial financial losses for illegal miners, totaling 112.3 million Brazilian reais ($1.9 million). Monitoring and evaluation of the operation’s effectiveness, however, remain confidential, posing challenges for transparency.
Illegal mining has severely impacted the 2.4-million-hectare Munduruku Indigenous Territory, increasing degradation and disease outbreaks among the 6,500 residents. During the former president Bolsonaro’s term, illegal mining activity surged by 363%, leading to significant public health crises, including mercury poisoning from mining operations. Found in rivers and fish, mercury poses long-term risks to both biodiversity and human health, as evidenced by a 2020 study indicating that a majority of the Munduruku population had hazardous mercury levels in their bodies.
Nilton Tubino, leader of the federal operation, emphasized that logistics remain the biggest hurdle in addressing illegal mining, with many locations being hard to access. The operation follows a Supreme Court directive demanding increased enforcement against illegal activities on Indigenous lands, a call reiterated in 2023. Various criminal organizations, each with distinct operations, contribute to the ongoing issue of illegal mining.
In one instance, the Boi na Brasa (BNB) group was identified as managing multiple illegal mining sites while inflicting environmental harm. Luísa Molina from the Socioenvironmental Institute asserted that these criminal entities collaborate extensively, involving local traders and even arming some Indigenous community members. Public declarations from various Munduruku organizations indicate that several locations remain vulnerable to re-invasion by illegal miners.
As Brazil prepares to begin the second phase of its operations, community leaders stress that a comprehensive maintenance strategy is necessary. Kaba pointed out that without viable income alternatives and measures for food security, Indigenous miners are more likely to resume illegal activities out of necessity. Past experiences suggest that miners often return after evictions due to the lucrative nature of mining and insufficient law enforcement.
Experts recommend that Brazil focus not only on evictions but also on financial investigations to dismantle the networks that facilitate illegal mining. This multi-faceted approach is deemed essential for achieving long-term success in combating illegal mining in Indigenous territories. In conclusion, while Brazil’s operation has made significant initial strides, a sustained and thorough follow-up strategy that addresses both immediate and systemic issues is crucial for lasting change in the Munduruku Indigenous Territory.
The Brazilian government has taken significant steps to curb illegal mining in the Munduruku Indigenous Territory, leading to noticeable reductions in such activities. Despite initial successes, ongoing concerns remain regarding the potential return of miners and the need for sustainable income alternatives for the Indigenous population. Experts suggest that a multifaceted approach, including eviction operations and comprehensive socioeconomic support, is essential to combat the entrenched issue of illegal mining and ensure the protection of Indigenous lands.
Original Source: news.mongabay.com
