The Munduruku territory, a protected area the size of Switzerland along the Tapajós River, has become a hub for illegal gold extraction, which is prohibited under Brazilian law. Despite the ban, some Munduruku tribe members have joined the trade, intensifying divisions within the community.

Enforcement Struggles

During a recent operation by Brazil's environmental protection agency (IBAMA), agents arrived via helicopter to find abandoned mining equipment and a camp in a clearing. The miners, warned by the sound of the helicopters, had fled. Evidence left behind, such as hammocks and clothing, indicated the miners were Indigenous.

This participation has caused friction within the Munduruku tribe. While most members oppose mining, tribal leaders argue that poverty and a lack of government support leave people with few alternatives.

Samuel Manga Bal, a gold panhandler, recently struck gold with 60 grams in one day—20 times his usual find. However, his brother Domingo opposed his mining activities, forcing Samuel to leave their village. Despite the conflict, Samuel plans to return to mining, citing economic hardship: "We don't even have coffee or sugar—just manioc flour."

Wealth and Poverty

The illegal gold trade has fueled visible economic inequality in Jacareacanga, a nearby municipality with a booming population of 26,000. Despite signs of wealth, including luxury vehicles and shops openly trading gold, the town collects little in taxes. Per capita GDP is unusually high at 90,000 reais ($15,157), surpassing that of São Paulo, Brazil's largest city.

Efforts to curb illegal mining are further hindered by corruption. Local police officers have reportedly accepted bribes from gold businesses to ignore illegal activities, according to official documents.

Sustainable Solutions

Some tribal leaders advocate for sustainable alternatives, such as carbon credit projects. Chief Jonathan Kaba Biorebu highlights the potential of selling carbon credits to fund community development, including initiatives like building wells for drinking water. While his village has benefited from such programs, he remains skeptical that they could fully replace income from gold mining.

Meanwhile, non-Indigenous residents of Jacareacanga favor legalizing informal mining, known as garimpo. General store owner Claudemir Pereira stated, "The majority of the population, including Indigenous people, depend on gold mining to survive."

Political Roadblocks

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has pledged to eradicate illegal mining, which surged under the administration of his predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro. However, the task is growing more complex as Indigenous involvement in mining increases. Efforts to legalize informal mining are stalled in Congress, and mining companies have reportedly lobbied against legalization.

Nilton Tubino, the government coordinator for removing miners from Indigenous lands, dismissed the idea of legalizing garimpo. He emphasized the need for stricter enforcement to protect the Amazon's Indigenous territories from exploitation.