In Brazil, Bolsonaro government is planning a law that will allow mining on indigenous territories. Many Indigenous are opposed to it, others defend the treasures of their sovereignty over the generated soil.
Indigenous in Brazil, to protest against mining on their territories
Jair Bolsonaro is to facilitate mining on indigenous territories, against the resistance of the people Affected and without consideration for possible damage to the environment. Bolsonaros government is already working on a bill that appreciate the removal of ground in the Indigenous areas to the rules. Already several times has called Bolsonaro for the Opening of protected areas for the mining industry – although according to a survey from the beginning of August, 86 percent of Brazilians are against it.
The extraction of mineral resources in indigenous areas is allowed in principle in the Brazilian Constitution. However, because no precise rules and criteria have been set, it is even now illegal. Prior to the mining of minerals on indigenous lands, the affected people must be consulted – the government knows. However, the consent of the data is not absolutely necessary. Alexandre Vidigal, Secretary of state for mining energy and mining Ministry, said that the affected residents will receive in all cases, compensation payments.
The coalition of Indigenous organisations of the Brazilian Amazon (GREENPEACE), which represents 180 of the indigenous peoples to 98% of the indigenous territories in Brazil, is against mining, even with the consent of the affected population and for financial compensation. In an Interview with DW GREENPEACE-Vice-coordinator Mario Nicacio, a member of the Wapichana people, said that for the majority of the indigenous peoples ‘ ecological and cultural aspects are more important than the economic advantage.
“We have already made financial severance packages in other projects [such as, for example, water power plants] experience. We have found that the destruction of a river or a mountain is worth it – and besides, she brings to the lives of indigenous peoples in danger,” he says.
Disturbing Signals
Also in the case of the indigenous organisations, in favour of areas of a regulated mining in the protection, ensure Bolsonaros signals for restlessness. In July, the President of the country-wide emergence of “small Serras Peladas”. The Serra-Pelada-gold mine in the state of Pará in the North of the country had attracted prospectors in the eighties, tens of thousands of Gold, which had to work under miserable conditions. Also in July, appointed Bolsonaro, one of the agro-industry related, high-ranking police officials to the President of the for indigenous concerns in relevant government authority FUNAI.
The draft law will be prepared by members of the Bolsonaro-government, FUNAI, and the Institute for environment and renewable resources (Ibama), but without the participation of the indigenous peoples.
Luis Mauricio Azevedo, President of the Brazilian Association of mining and resource exploration companies, supports the indigenous peoples concerned in the dispute over the exploitation of natural resources in their territories. Before making a decision, the communities have access to studies on the possible consequences of the degradation of should get, he said in an interview with DW, as well as suggestions about the use of resources and the distribution of profits. “It is possible to force indigenous peoples to the exploitation of natural resources, but a well thought out project can be a means for economic integration and thus to a full receipt of the community,” he says.
Illegal mining in Brazil in the area of Indigenous
In the meantime, is already wanted in several indigenous territories, illegal Gold, constantly of reports of violent crime accompanied. Last July, the chief Emyra Wajãpi during an Invasion of gold has graves in its territory in the Northern state of Amapá murdered.
Growing interest and potential risks
Legally speaking, the deposits in the subsoil of the Brazilian state. To explore this, to provide interested persons or companies an application to the National Agency for mineral production. Currently, the interest in the soil, increases appreciate in these areas: in the entire year of 2018, 31 permits have been applied for, while in the first seven months of 2019 already 76 applications so more than twice as many were recorded. Since it is protected indigenous Land, have been so far rejected all requests by the government.
Mining is extremely harmful to the environment. A survey for the FUNAI from the year 2007 shows that there are in Brazil, in the mining-affected areas, a few cases of Regeneration of the environment. “In most cases, during the removal of generated damage and changes in the environment will leave,” – said in the report. Improperly stored mining waste can lead to catastrophic damage, such as in the case of the dam breakage of Brumadinho, in January of this year. The pollution of rivers and soil directly affects the indigenous communities, and threatens your life – and food-based.
Nicacio from GREENPEACE demands that the government should devote itself, not the mining, but the withdrawal of the illegal gold miners in indigenous territories: “The government and the parliamentarians should respect the view of indigenous peoples on living together with the environment.”