Artisanal mines in Brazil a front for gold laundering, investigation shows
An investigation reveals that nearly half of the small-scale gold mines in Brazil's Amazon may be laundering gold from illegal sources. Many mining operations are reported to be outside permitted areas, including protected and Indigenous territories. The findings highlight significant environmental and health impacts, particularly due to mercury contamination affecting local communities.
- ▪49% of licensed artisanal mining operations in the Tapajós River Basin reported gold sales inconsistent with actual mining activity.
- ▪Satellite imagery shows most mining activity occurring outside permitted sites, including in protected areas.
- ▪Mercury contamination from mining operations has harmed Indigenous and riverine communities dependent on local rivers.
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