Illegal gold mining remains a major problem in the Amazon region.

A Greenpeace study reveals that billions of dollars worth of gold are still being illegally mined in the Amazon rainforest despite Brazil's crackdown.

A new study by the non-profit organization Greenpeace shows that despite the Brazilian government under President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva stepping up its crackdown in recent years, illegal gold mining in Brazil's Amazon rainforest continues on a large scale.

The "Road to Chaos" runs through the territory of the Yanomami people in the Amazon rainforest. Photo: Valentina Ricardo.

Upon taking office in 2023, Lula pledged to end illegal gold mining in protected areas and indigenous lands, which had seen expansion under former President Jair Bolsonaro. Last year, the Brazilian Federal Police seized a record 447 kg of illegally mined gold.

However, according to Greenpeace, illegal mining groups are changing their operating methods to evade government control. Amid soaring gold prices due to geopolitical instability, many are using "phantom permits" to legitimize illegally mined gold.

The organization analyzed 187 areas licensed by the Brazilian National Mining Agency (ANM) for gold mining near protected areas and indigenous lands in the Amazon. The results showed that 98 areas showed no signs of actual mining activity. However, these licenses were used to legitimize the sale of approximately 26.8 tons of gold, worth an estimated $3.88 billion, between 2018 and March 2026.

Reuters also noted a similar situation when conducting field surveys by helicopter in two licensed mining areas, but found no activity. Meanwhile, just minutes away, reporters discovered a large-scale illegal gold mining operation inside a protected area.

According to researchers, much of the gold legalized by "phantom permits" may originate from reserves or indigenous lands, including Kayapo territory in Para State.

Chief Kayapo Megaron Txucarramae expressed concern over the prolonged illegal mining activities. He argued that these activities not only destroy the land but also pollute rivers, directly impacting the lives of the indigenous community.

ANM said it is monitoring the permits named by Greenpeace for signs of wrongdoing. However, the agency also acknowledged that managing mining operations in the Amazon is challenging due to the vastness of the area and its complex terrain.

Danicley Aguiar, spokesperson for Greenpeace Brazil, stated that as long as illegally mined gold can be legalized through mining permits, illegal mining in the Amazon will continue.

Source: https://nongnghiepmoitruong.vn/amazon-van-nong-nan-khai-thac-vang-lau-d813839.html