‘It’s total devastation’: inside the Amazonian war against illegal gold mining
Brazilian security forces are conducting operations to eradicate illegal gold mining in the Amazon, which has caused severe environmental destruction and impacted Indigenous territories. The campaign represents a shift in policy under President Lula da Silva compared to the previous administration.
Why it matters
The protection of the Amazon is critical for global climate stability, and the conflict highlights the ongoing struggle between economic exploitation and environmental/Indigenous rights.
Illegal mining operations carved out of the Amazon Brazil ‘It’s total devastation’: inside the Amazonian war against illegal gold mining The Guardian goes on the ground with Brazilian forces fighting to eradicate mining that has destroyed protected areas of Indigenous land
Tom Phillips in the Sararé Indigenous territory Mon 20 Jul 2026 01.00 EDT Last modified on Mon 20 Jul 2026 01.12 EDT Share Prefer the Guardian on Google T he jerry-built bordello at the foot of Vila Cururu, an illegal gold-mining settlement at the heart of Brazil’s most desecrated Indigenous territory, was a hive of depravity until just a few weeks ago.
Inebriated prospectors huddled around wooden tables, swigging beer and Scotch whisky, and ogling pole-dancing sex workers before going with them to shacks behind the brothel.
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