The outbreak of illegal gold mining in the Brazilian Amazon boosts deforestation

Increased prices and political pressure are boosting illegal gold mining in the Brazilian Amazon, threatening forests, indigenous people, and conservation of biodiversity in protected areas. The rate of illegal mining deforestation increased more than 90% from 2017 to 2020, reaching 101.7 km(2) annually in 2020 compared to 52.9 km(2) annually in 2017. In that period, illegal mining deforestation rate grew more than the rate of clearing within mining leases. While formal mining is required to comply with environmental regulations, most small-scale or artisanal mining and especially illegal mining areas are abandoned after reserves are exhausted, without proper rehabilitation. Deforestation due to illegal mining is likely to increase in the next years, calling for coordination between local and regional policies as well as for strengthening and expanding international mechanisms to increase traceability of mineral supply chains with certification schemes to help to curb illegal mining.

Automated summary

Increased prices and political pressure have led to a rise in illegal gold mining in the Brazilian Amazon, posing threats to forests, indigenous people, and biodiversity in protected areas. Deforestation due to illegal mining has increased by over 90% from 2017 to 2020, calling for coordination between local and regional policies, and the strengthening and expansion of international mechanisms to increase traceability of mineral supply chains.