How Brazil is fighting armed illegal miners in the Amazon’s gold belt: Video
Brazil has launched a major crackdown on illegal gold mining inside the Sarare Indigenous Land in Mato Grosso, targeting heavily armed criminal groups accused of destroying the environment and threatening local communities.
At the end of September, agents from the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (Ibama), supported by the Federal Police and special forces, swept through the remote Cururu mine. They uncovered a network of underground bunkers used to store mining equipment and supplies, including engines, pumps, and fuel.
Over three days, from September 28 to 30, authorities seized or destroyed 42 stationary engines, three hydraulic excavators, 13 motor pumps, and 14 hidden bunkers. A specialist Federal Police explosives unit also demolished four underground gold mines built to tap deep mineral veins.
The operation turned tense on its first day when armed miners opened fire on security forces. Officers responded with what the Ministry of Environment called “proportionate and technical” force, injuring two suspects who were later taken to the hospital. No security personnel were hurt. Viory reports that reinforcements are staying in the region to hunt down remaining armed groups, locate hidden machinery, and restore security.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
