Brazil, El Sky News — Brazilian authorities, in cooperation with Interpol and neighboring countries, have launched a large-scale operation targeting illegal gold mining operations along the Madeira River in the Amazon rainforest. The crackdown resulted in the dismantling of 277 illegal mining sites run by organized criminal networks.
The illegal mining operations not only violate environmental laws but also pose serious threats to the Amazon ecosystem, including mercury pollution of rivers, deforestation, and destruction of wildlife habitats. Local communities have long complained about water contamination and environmental hazards caused by these operations.
“This is one of the largest operations against illegal gold mining in the Amazon in recent years,” said Federal Police Commander Ricardo Silva. “We successfully halted activities that endanger the ecosystem while seizing equipment and structures used by the criminal networks.”
The estimated value of seized assets is around USD 6.8 million, though the environmental damage caused by mercury and deforestation is far more significant. Authorities are continuing investigations into the transnational syndicates involved, with links reported in Bolivia, Peru, and Suriname.
This operation highlights the importance of international cooperation in combating environmental crimes that cross borders, as well as ongoing efforts to protect the Amazon rainforest, a critical source of oxygen and biodiversity for the planet.
