Destruction of the Rainforest: The Impact of the Gold Rush in the Amazon

The Amazon rainforest, often perceived as a lush paradise from above, reveals alarming scars inflicted by illegal gold mining in indigenous territories. Areas once covered in dense greenery are now marred by barren earth, muddy pits, and toxic waterholes. This devastation significantly harms the environment, wildlife, and the indigenous communities residing in these regions.

Concerns are mounting as the illegal gold mining boom continues to flourish despite government measures aimed at curbing these activities. A recent report from Greenpeace highlights that illegal mining has not diminished but has merely shifted from one indigenous area to another. Using satellite imagery and aerial surveys, Greenpeace has tracked mining activities across four major indigenous territories in northern Brazil. While illegal mining has decreased in some regions, such as Yanomami and Munduruku, it has surged dramatically in others, particularly the Sararé region.

In the past two years, over 4,200 hectares of rainforest have been destroyed in these areas, an area comparable to nearly half the size of Manhattan. Illegal miners, known as garimpeiros, encroach upon protected lands, establishing camps and searching for gold. This often involves extensive deforestation and the excavation of deep holes, with heavy machinery clearly visible from the air. Approaching these miners poses significant risks, as they are often aware of the illegal nature of their activities and may be armed.

When successful in their search, these miners resort to using highly toxic substances, such as mercury, to extract gold from ore. The resulting pollution contaminates waterways, leading to the death of fish and posing severe health risks to indigenous populations, including permanent nerve damage and developmental disorders in children. A study from the Oswaldo Cruz Institute reported that 84% of individuals in nine Yanomami villages were exposed to elevated mercury levels.

These mining operations are frequently controlled by criminal networks linked to drug cartels, leading to violence and deadly confrontations with indigenous people. Furthermore, many of the miners themselves are victims of human trafficking and forced labor. The illegal gold mining industry, driven by soaring gold prices, has become an attractive option for those seeking income, despite the hazardous working conditions they face.

The demand for gold is currently at a historic high, further fueling illegal mining activities in the Amazon. According to Greenpeace, gold is often smuggled through opaque supply chains, mixed with legally mined gold, and sold through intermediaries before reaching international markets, complicating provenance verification.

A study from Escolhas revealed that 94% of Brazilian gold imported by the European Union originates from Pará and Amazonas, regions with a high likelihood of illegal mining activities. In 2023, Germany, Italy, and the Czech Republic reportedly imported 1.5 tons of gold from these areas.

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, unlike his predecessor Jair Bolsonaro, has promised to strengthen environmental protections. The Brazilian environmental agency Ibama has conducted numerous raids to dismantle illegal mining operations. However, Greenpeace emphasizes the need for ongoing monitoring and control to prevent miners from returning once enforcement actions are lifted. The Escolhas study also calls for greater transparency in gold supply chains.

With Brazil set to host the global climate conference COP30 in Belém this November, the spotlight on the Amazon and its preservation continues to grow.