# Amazon environmental regulation and mining disputes

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/amazon-environmental-regulation-and-mining-disputes
> Updated: 2026-10-26T20:51:54.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

In Brazil, the Supreme Court suspended the environmental installation license for Belo Sun Mining Corp.’s Volta Grande project in Para state. Chief Justice Edson Fachin ruled that the company failed to demonstrate compliance with environmental requirements and protections for Indigenous populations, citing a lack of adequate impact studies and failure to uphold the right to consultation. The project, located along the Xingu River, faced long-term opposition from Indigenous communities and environmental groups concerned about river flows and fish populations.

In Colombia, the Ministry of Environment revoked Resolution 961, which had designated the Amazon biome as a definitive reserve of renewable natural resources. This measure had previously prohibited new mining and oil activities across 42% of the country. Minister Fabio Arjona stated the revocation was necessary because the previous resolution lacked prior consultation with Afro-descendant communities and did not sufficiently guarantee regional protection.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-26: Colombia: Amazon environmental protections revoked and state appointments scrutinized

Colombia's Ministry of Environment revoked protections for the Amazon biome, allowing for potential mining and oil activities. The government also faces scrutiny over political appointments in state companies.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/colombia-amazon-environmental-protections-revoked-and-state-appointments-scrutinized

### 2026-10-21: Brazil Supreme Court suspends Amazon gold mine permit

Brazil’s Supreme Court suspended an environmental permit for Belo Sun Mining Corp.’s Volta Grande gold project in the Amazon, citing insufficient Indigenous consultation and environmental protections.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-supreme-court-suspends-amazon-gold-mine-permit

---
Cite as: Amazon environmental regulation and mining disputes. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/amazon-environmental-regulation-and-mining-disputes
