Federal Police launch operation against illegal mining in indigenous lands

The Brazilian Federal Police and Ibama launched ‘Operation Fornalha’ on September 24 and 25 to combat illegal mining in indigenous territories located on the border of Rondônia and Mato Grosso. The operation targeted the Sete de Setembro, Zoró, and Roosevelt indigenous lands.

Authorities seized and destroyed equipment used in the illegal extraction of minerals, including two hydraulic excavators, four dredges, five motors, and two camps. The estimated financial loss to the criminal groups involved exceeds R$ 2 million. Additionally, police seized mercury, a shotgun, and mobile devices during the raids.