ORIXIMINÁ, Pará state, Brazil — In 2019, Mineração Rio do Norte (MRN), Brazil’s largest bauxite producer, initiated a controversial new mining project in the Amazon region without notifying or consulting four traditional riverine communities that have thrived there for generations. These villages report significant disruptions to their way of life due to the mining activities.
MRN asserts that their operations will not have a substantial impact, a claim supported by IBAMA, Brazil’s environmental agency. However, current regulations only recognize Indigenous and Quilombola populations as legitimate traditional groups entitled to prior, free, informed consultation—a right enshrined in international law.
Critics argue that other traditional riverine communities are being unjustly excluded from these protections. They are urging President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s administration to direct IBAMA to take action that would mitigate the adverse effects of mining on these vulnerable populations.
A decisive ruling from IBAMA could safeguard the livelihoods of hundreds of riverine residents facing the repercussions of MRN’s expanding mining activities. Furthermore, it could set a crucial precedent for other traditional communities seeking recognition and consultation rights in the face of industrial development.
Mongabay’s Video Team wants to cover questions and topics that matter to YOU. Are there any inspiring people, urgent issues, or local stories that you’d like us to cover? We want to hear from you. Be a part of our reporting process—get in touch with us here!
Banner image: Jesi Ferreira de Castro, coordinator of the São Francisco community, talks to Mongabay about the power imbalance that allows community rights to be systematically violated. “The mining company has a lot of money and power, whereas we only have our words,” he says. Image courtesy of Brian Garvey, University of Strathclyde and British Academy-funded project “Unauthorised biographies of commodity chains.”
Paradise lost? Brazil’s biggest bauxite mining firm denies riverine rights