The illegal gold mining has been destroyed by 4,000 hectares of the Amazon rainforest in only four indigenous territory in the last two years, Greenpeace warned. Canada, a gold importer in Brazil, must act.

Montreal Despite the government’s efforts, illegal gold mining is still widespread in the Amazon tropical rainforest. The Greenpeace Survey also revealed Canada as the best destination for Brazilian gold exports in 2024.

According to a report from Greenpeace Brazil, the national behavior of fighting this destructive activity is not decreasing, but mining activities in Yanomami, Munguruku and Kayapa (7%, 57%and 31%) while Yanomami, Munguruku and Kayapa’s lands (7%, 57%and 31%), while Sara Les land is illegal mine. 93%increased. For the past two years, the report said that 4,219 hectares of tropical rainforests were destroyed by gold miners in these four Aboriginal territory.

Jorge Eduardo Dantas, an indigenous campaign by Greenpeace Brazil, said: “As long as this gold is purchased by a foreign country, this remains a true threat to indigenous people, Amazon forests, and world climate. We are requiring a continuous and integrated approach to fight illegal gold mining in the face of Brazil.”

Greenpeace Brazil’s “toxic gold” tracks illegal gold paths from Amazon to the global market. As described in this report, in 2024, the top three destinations for Brazil’s gold exports were the main international hubs for Canada, Switzerland and the UK -refined and trade. [1]

Global demand for illegal mining will not be slow. In 2024, gold prices rose 44%, and many central banks declared that they would stockpile gold reserves.

Greenpeace Canada’s Salomé Sané, Nature & Biodiversity activist said:

“There’s no ethical gold in Amazon. Amazon gold is toxic gold. Greed is destroying what we can’t replace, and as the best Gold importer in Brazil, Canada has become an accomplice to the continuous destruction of the Amazon rainforest. We need a global leader, including the next prime minister, to implement ethical supply chain practices and to prevent illegal mining imports in one of the most valuable ecosystems in the world. ”

Illegal gold mining is a major driver of biodiversity loss and social tension in Brazil, and does not immediately affect indigenous communities and other vulnerable groups. Scientists found it Mercury, used for extraction, contaminates forests and waterways and risks wild animals and human health..

Lula’s predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro, intentionally weakened environmental control in Amazon. As a result, exploration exploded between 2018 and 2022, and illegal gold mining increased by 265% in indigenous land.. Since 2023, the Brazilian government has strengthened security and monitoring efforts in major areas. However, a study by Greenpeace Brazil found that illegal mining continues to adapt and spread across the forest. Emphasize urgent need for continuous long -term strategies.

As the federal election campaign progresses completely, the report reminds the federal candidates that they are responsible for protecting nature when the company participates.

The Supreme Court in Brazil recently decided to close the legal loophole that allows buyers to accept gold without prove their origin. Gold buyers now need to confirm the legitimacy of the purchase and the government must force a strict supervision. This decision is an important stage for fighting illegal mining. But Greenpeace Brazil emphasizes that additional measures are needed to ensure continuous protection. In Canada, Greenpeace calls for Canadian companies not related to illegal gold mining supply chains.

end

The picture is Greenpeace Media Library. The entire report is provided here. Management summary can be found here.

reference :

[1] The table in the “Alicol Gold” report of Greenpeace Brazil shows the highest gold outdate destination in Brazil in 2024.

For more information, please contact us as follows.

Miryam Nadkarni, Press Officer, Forest Campaign, Greenpeace Germany, +49 160-3319793, [email protected] (Available available at 9 am to 4.30pm Cest)

Greenpeace International Press Desk, +31 (0) 20 718 2470 (available 24 hours), [email protected]

Salomé Sané, Greenpeace Canada

[email protected] ; +1 778-961-0121