FIELD OBSERVATIONS – ILLEGAL MINING IN AMAZONAS

Illegal mining is an activity that consists of extracting mineral resources without proper authorization or regulation. In areas of the Amazon rainforest, illegal mining is a significant threat to the environment and local communities. In recent years, gold exploration in Brazil has been constantly, and at an accelerated pace, expanding its borders into the interior of the Amazon, entering Indigenous Lands and Conservation Units. Studies carried out by researchers at the Federal University of Minas Gerais showed that of the 112 tons of gold produced in Brazil in 2021, at least 7% were of illegal origin and 25% of potentially illegal origin.

Despite the increase in deforestation linked to mining, there are few analyzes that seek to estimate the flows of purchase and sale of gold, and their connection with irregularities and environmental crimes. As a result of the absence of stricter controls by the National Mining Agency (ANM), environmental agencies and the Federal Revenue, this illegal gold generates social conflicts, destruction of environmental resources, with deforestation and the destruction of animal habitats. In addition, illegal mining is also associated with negative practices, such as the exploitation of workers, mineral trafficking and soil and water pollution.

The lack of inspection and application of environmental laws allows this type of activity to be carried out without punishment, that is, that those responsible for illegal mining can continue to operate without being interrupted, harming the forest and their local communities. It is important to highlight that the Amazon rainforest is one of the most biodiverse areas in the world, and its preservation is fundamental for the maintenance of life on the planet. Therefore, it is necessary to take measures to curb illegal mining and protect the Amazon rainforest.

There is a direct relationship between illegal mining areas and soy production in the Amazon. In many cases, the deforestation of the forest for the expansion of soy cultivation areas is one of the main causes for the emergence of illegal mining in the region. Areas of forest deforested for soy production can attract prospectors, who look for ores in degraded areas.

Therefore, it is important to take into account the relationship between soy production and illegal mining in the Amazon when making decisions about agricultural production in the region and the protection of the forest. It is necessary to look for solutions that allow the production of food in a sustainable way, without harming the environment and local communities. Due to this direct relationship, the Brazilian government needs to take action measures to mitigate this situation, such as monitoring satellite images, to identify the expansion of soy cultivation areas and the emergence of illegal mining in the Amazon forest, in addition to making a relationship about data on soy production, illegal mining areas and mineral exports can help identify the relationship between the two activities.

Based on these measures, the government can apply measures, such as the implementation of stricter environmental laws and the inspection and punishment of infractions, to combat illegal mining and protect the Amazon rainforest. Transparency and collaboration are important to ensure the effectiveness of these measures.