A new MapBiomas study finds 41% of Amazon’s mined areas were developed in the last five years.
Illegal mining in Brazil increased by 35,000 hectares in 2022, with the Amazon holding 92%. National parks and indigenous lands are particularly affected.
MapBiomas reports that mining has taken place in these areas for over 20 years. However, recent satellite images show a spike in activity.
The study reveals a 190% growth in mining inside protected zones over five years. In 2022, 39% of the mined area was in indigenous or conservation lands.
Mining on indigenous lands grew by 265%, covering 15,700 hectares this year. Sixty-two percent of the mining on these lands happened within the past five years.
Territories like Kayapó and Munduruku are heavily affected.
Similarly, 43% of the mined area in conservation units emerged in the last five years. MapBiomas identifies APA do Tapajós and Flona do Amaná as the most exploited.
The main target for miners is gold, forming 85% of the 263,000 hectares mined. According to MapBiomas, river siltation and water contamination are key issues.
Surprisingly, the report found no increase in industrial mining areas in 2022. They stayed at around 180,000 hectares.
Three states, Pará, Mato Grosso, and Minas Gerais, have 76% of Brazil’s industrial mining area.
Background
The rise in illegal mining is alarming and highlights a failure in regulation. It also suggests broader economic and political backing.
The focus on gold mining could indicate global demand. However, it comes at an environmental cost, affecting both water quality and soil.
The large scale of mining in protected areas is worrying. Even strict laws can’t deter this activity, showing the need for stronger enforcement.
The stagnation in industrial mining suggests illegal methods are an easier alternative. This contrast needs closer study.
The concentration of mining in states like Pará shows local economies depend on it. This dependence can hinder crackdowns on illegal operations.
In conclusion, solving this issue needs a strategy that balances demand, legality, and sustainability.