Rise in Gold Prices Fuels Illegal Mining Across the Amazon

The surge in gold prices and global demand has led to an increase in illegal mining across the Amazon, including in protected areas and Indigenous territories. The incentives for illicit gold extraction are high due to the rising price of gold, which has seen a significant increase in recent years.

In November 2025, Brazilian authorities, supported by Interpol, disabled 277 dredges used for illegal gold mining along the Madeira River. However, this operation was likely temporary as miners can replace equipment and relocate operations.

Satellite monitoring has revealed a significant expansion of mining activity in the Amazon, with over 37,000 hectares of new mining development detected in 2025. Of this total, more than 14,000 hectares were located within protected areas and Indigenous territories.