Amazon Rainforest Becomes New Frontier for Organized Crime: Cassiterite Supplies Global Giants

In the depths of the Amazon rainforest, a new frontier for organized crime has emerged. Cassiterite, dubbed 'black gold' due to its high value and ease of distribution, is being illegally extracted from protected territories. Confidential documents reveal that this valuable mineral has been supplied to global giants such as Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, and Sony, among others.

White Solder, a Brazilian company, has become a defendant in court for leading a scheme that moved at least R$200 million under the guise of 'green compliance.' Between May and August 2021, over 525 tonnes of cassiterite were illegally transported. The smelter's factory in Ariquemes (RO) was used to refine the mineral, making it nearly impossible to track its origin.

Prosecutors have cross-referenced audit reports with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission database, revealing that White Solder was formally listed as an active tin supplier for these global companies. Ten multinational companies operating in Brazil were notified for serious failures in their socio-environmental due diligence mechanisms.

The MPF has demanded compensation of R$1.7 billion from the defendants, citing environmental damage and 'indirect responsibility for pollution.' This move is unprecedented, as it holds large corporations accountable for actively demonstrating the clean origin of the tin they purchased.