Gold Mining Surge Devastates Indigenous Lands in Brazil's Amazon

A surge in gold mining is occurring on Indigenous lands in Brazil's Amazon region, according to an analysis by the nonprofit Amazon Environmental Research Institute (IPAM). The area affected by gold mining across the Amazon was 20 times larger in 2024 than in 1985. However, mining on Indigenous lands has expanded at an even faster rate, covering 24 times as much land since 1985.

The growth of gold mining on Indigenous lands is driven largely by record-breaking gold prices, which are fueled by investor demand for safe assets amid rising global risks. The increased mining activity has led to deforestation and mercury contamination in riverine and Indigenous communities. IPAM notes that the mining is aggravating climate risks facing Indigenous communities.

The Munduruku Indigenous Territory, located in the northern state of Para, is one of the areas most affected by gold mining. Representatives from the Inter-American Court of Human Rights visited the territory earlier this month to assess Brazil's compliance with provisional measures recommended in 2022 to protect Indigenous communities' rights. Munduruku leaders presented evidence of mercury contamination and health impacts, including a surge in malaria cases and higher infant mortality rates.

Despite efforts by Brazilian authorities to combat illegal mining, enforcement has not eliminated the practice across the Amazon. In fact, when authorities destroy mining equipment in one area, miners often move elsewhere or resume operations after officials leave. The Munduruku territory has seen 10 new illegal mining sites since August.