Federal operation dismantles illegal gold mining in Pará's Baú Indigenous Land

Between July 28 and 31, Brazil's Federal Police and the environmental agency Ibama, supported by the National Force and the Amazon International Cooperation Center, carried out a desintrusion operation in the Baú Indigenous Land in southwestern Pará. The action targeted illegal gold‑mining activities that were harming indigenous communities and the rainforest.

Authorities seized and destroyed two excavators, two mining camps, several engines used on river barges, a four‑stroke engine, a generator, a 1,000‑litre fuel tank, fuel drums, two chainsaws and other equipment. The operation aimed to halt the illicit extraction of minerals, protect traditional populations, and reduce environmental damage in the Curuá and Curuaés river basins.

The raid was based on an investigation into illegal mining in protected indigenous territory, with officials seeking to identify financiers and organizers of the activity. The seized equipment will be rendered unusable in accordance with environmental and indigenous protection laws.