Illegal Gold Mining Continues to Devastate the Amazon, Greenpeace Warns

9

Illegal gold mining in the Amazon rainforest remains rampant despite efforts by the Brazilian government to curb the activity, with new satellite data revealing the extent of the environmental damage. Greenpeace Brazil’s report, based on analyses of data from 2023 to 2024, reveals that illegal mining continues to cause severe deforestation, shifting from previously affected areas to new territories.

According to the findings, over the past two years, more than 4,000 hectares of Amazon rainforest have been destroyed across four Indigenous territories, equivalent to nearly half the size of Manhattan or more than 4,000 soccer fields. Despite a reduction in mining in some regions, such as Yanomami, Munduruku, and Kayapó lands, the Sararé land has seen a dramatic 93% increase in illegal mining activities.

The report highlights major discrepancies in the gold trade data, with Swiss imports of Brazilian gold exceeding reported Brazilian exports by 67% in 2022 and 62% in 2023. Greenpeace is calling for urgent action to address the irregularities in the gold trade and curb the flow of illegally mined gold into global markets.

A Growing Threat to Indigenous Peoples and the Environment

Jorge Eduardo Dantas, Indigenous Peoples’ Campaign Lead at Greenpeace Brazil, stressed the ongoing danger that the illegal gold trade poses to both Indigenous communities and the Amazon ecosystem. “As long as this gold is being bought by foreign countries, this remains a real threat to Indigenous Peoples, the Amazon forest, and the global climate,” Dantas said. “It’s driving deforestation, killing rivers, and poisoning people and biodiversity.”

The Greenpeace report, titled Toxic Gold, traces the path of illegal gold from the Amazon to major international markets. The top three destinations for Brazilian gold in 2024 were Canada, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom—international hubs for gold refining and trade. Switzerland, in particular, plays a critical role, serving as the main gateway for EU gold imports, underscoring the global demand driving illegal mining in the Amazon.

Rising Global Demand for Gold Fuels Environmental Destruction

The demand for gold, particularly in light of recent increases in its price, has fueled illegal mining. In 2024 alone, the price of gold rose by 44%, and central banks globally are seeking to stockpile more gold reserves. Greenpeace’s report suggests that the world’s insatiable hunger for gold is directly contributing to the destruction of the Amazon rainforest, with devastating consequences for biodiversity and local communities.

Harald Gross, Amazon and Gold Campaigner for Greenpeace Germany, criticized the global gold trade: “The world’s hunger for gold is destroying the vital Amazon rainforest—just to hoard gold bars that gather dust in bank vaults. This must change. International retailers have to disclose their supply chains and ensure that illegal gold stays out of the market.”

Mercury Contamination and Its Toll on Health and Wildlife

The destructive impacts of illegal gold mining extend far beyond deforestation. The use of mercury in gold extraction has contaminated the forest and waterways, poisoning wildlife and endangering the health of nearby Indigenous communities. This toxic pollution is also affecting fish and other river species that local populations depend on for food.

Challenges and Efforts by the Brazilian Government

Under former President Jair Bolsonaro, environmental protections were significantly weakened, leading to a 265% increase in illegal gold mining on Indigenous lands between 2018 and 2022. Since the inauguration of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in 2023, the government has ramped up security and monitoring efforts in key areas. However, Greenpeace’s report shows that illegal miners have adapted and spread their activities across different regions, making it clear that short-term efforts are insufficient.

The Brazilian Supreme Federal Court recently ruled to close a legal loophole that allowed gold buyers to acquire gold without verifying its origin, a practice that facilitated illegal mining in Indigenous territories. Under the new ruling, gold buyers must now verify the legality of their purchases. While this is seen as a crucial step, Greenpeace insists that more sustained and integrated efforts are necessary to ensure lasting protection for the Amazon and its Indigenous inhabitants.

Trade Data Reveals Ongoing Irregularities

According to Greenpeace, 2024 trade data shows that Brazil’s gold exports to key markets like Canada, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom continue to be unaccounted for. The trade values and net weight of exports listed below highlight the scale of the ongoing issue:

These discrepancies, Greenpeace argues, point to ongoing irregularities in the global gold supply chain and emphasize the need for countries to adopt stricter regulations and transparency measures to prevent illegal gold from entering the market.

Urgent Call for Global Action

Greenpeace’s report underscores that a global response is essential to address illegal gold mining and its devastating effects on the Amazon rainforest. The organization is calling on international retailers to disclose their gold supply chains and ensure that illegal gold is excluded from the market. Only through concerted international action can the destruction of the Amazon be halted and the rights of Indigenous communities safeguarded.

The report serves as a stark reminder that the demand for gold is not just an economic issue but a matter of environmental justice and the preservation of Indigenous rights in one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth.

Related topics:

• India Surpasses China in Gold Purchases, Buying 51% More in Three Months
• Qilu Bank Enhances Support for Small Businesses with Innovative Financial Tools
• Bitcoin Poised for a Surge Amid Gold’s Delivery Delays, Expert Claims