Brazil Fights Illegal Gold Mining in Yanomami Reservation

By Amanda Perobelli and Anthony Boadle

SURUCUCU, Brazil (Reuters) – Brazil has almost suppressed an illegal gold rush that drew thousands of wildcat miners into the Yanomami reservation in the Amazon rainforest, causing a humanitarian crisis of disease and malnutrition, according to Nilton Tubino, the head of operations.

The Yanomami, South America’s largest Indigenous group living in isolation, have resumed their traditional way of life, cultivating crops and hunting game. Tubino asserts that in recent months, there have been observable improvements among the community, with many engaging in customary activities.

Since March, military and police forces, alongside environmental agents and health workers, have conducted hundreds of operations to dismantle mining camps and gold prospecting sites. Actions include:
– Dynamiting 42 illegal airstrips
– Burning 18 aircraft
– Seizing 92,000 liters of diesel
– Sinking 45 dredging barges
– Destroying 700 pumps
– Dismantling 90 Starlink dishes used by miners

A radar system has been established to monitor illegal flights into the area. Reports indicate a decline in malaria-related deaths due to mining activities and improved food security through government-provided food parcels. Medical outposts have reopened, and plans are underway for a new hospital in Surucucu.

Despite the progress, illegal mining activities persist, with pollution from mercury affecting local water sources and hindering food production, according to Junior Hekurari, head of the Yanomami health council. Although the government expelled 80% of the miners following an operation in February 2023, many have returned, hiding in forest areas. Tubino noted that while the number of remaining miners is uncertain, significant reductions have been made in gold prospecting activities, with ongoing efforts needed to disrupt the supply chains supporting miners.