Davi Kopenawa, a prominent activist and shaman, reports that numerous illegal miners are resisting government efforts to remove them from Brazil’s largest Indigenous territory, the Yanomami territory. This resistance persists almost a year after the expulsion operations commenced.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva prioritized the removal of approximately 20,000 illegal miners from the Yanomami territory upon assuming office in January. Despite initial successes, with reports claiming 90% of miners displaced by July, Kopenawa, who has dedicated four decades to safeguarding Yanomami lands, suggests that many miners are returning following a reduction in eviction operations.
Expressing frustration, Kopenawa estimates that around 4,000 miners are active in a territory inhabited by about 30,000 Yanomami and Ye’kwana people. He emphasizes the potential harm to the Yanomami territory and expresses concern about invaders undermining the region.
Despite earlier optimism from environmental agency Ibama, a government source suggests that the situation may be worse than described by Kopenawa, with suspicions that over 4,000 miners are currently operating in the area.
Born in the mid-1950s in a Yanomami village during a period of missionary activity, Kopenawa faced the devastating consequences of a measles epidemic caused by a pastor’s child. The 1980s gold rush disrupted Yanomami lives, leading to Kopenawa’s tireless activism and the creation of protected territory in 1992.
However, rising gold prices and weak enforcement triggered another invasion in the 2000s, exacerbated by Bolsonaro’s anti-environmental policies. Kopenawa expresses relief at Bolsonaro’s loss in the 2022 election but calls for intensified efforts to counter the resurgence of illegal mining under Lula’s administration.
Despite acknowledging Lula’s commitment to defending Indigenous communities, Kopenawa voices concerns about the cooling off of eviction efforts and urges Lula to maintain the fight against illegal mining. Issues such as the failure to control airspace, the absence of permanent river blockades, and the use of Starlink satellite dishes by miners pose significant challenges.
Kopenawa concludes by urging Lula to continue protecting the Yanomami people and their territory, emphasizing the need to remove invaders causing disruptions in their communities. In response to reports of a weakening of anti-mining operations, the Brazilian presidency, in late December, stated that Lula had ordered an intensification of eviction efforts, highlighting the prioritization of protecting the Yanomami territory.
In late December, responding to concerns raised by public prosecutors about a perceived weakening of anti-mining operations, the Brazilian presidency asserted that President Lula had taken decisive action by ordering an intensification of eviction efforts and deeming the protection of the Yanomami territory a top priority.
Despite these renewed efforts, challenges persist in controlling illegal mining activities in the Yanomami territory. The ongoing influx of miners is not only a threat to the delicate ecological balance but also poses significant risks to the health and well-being of the Yanomami and Ye’kwana communities. Reports from the ground indicate that the situation may be more dire than initially estimated, with the number of illegal miners potentially exceeding previous assessments.
Davi Kopenawa, a steadfast advocate for Indigenous rights and environmental preservation, continues to express his concerns and frustration. He emphasizes the urgency of the situation, highlighting the invaders’ impact on the Yanomami people and their traditional way of life. Kopenawa’s plea to President Lula echoes a broader call for sustained and heightened efforts to address the root causes of the issue, including bolstering enforcement measures, enhancing surveillance capabilities, and implementing comprehensive strategies to safeguard the Yanomami territory.
The Yanomami leader’s appeal for support underscores the complex and multifaceted nature of the challenges faced by Indigenous communities in the Amazon. The resilience of illegal miners, coupled with logistical and technological hurdles, requires a comprehensive and adaptive approach to effectively curb their activities. The situation also sheds light on the broader global responsibility to address environmental conservation and Indigenous rights, recognizing the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the impact of such activities on the planet.
As the international community grapples with the complex issue of illegal mining in Indigenous territories, the plight of the Yanomami people serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle to protect these vital ecosystems and the rich cultural heritage of the communities that call them home. The success of efforts to combat illegal mining in the Yanomami territory will undoubtedly depend on a collaborative and sustained commitment from governments, environmental organizations, and advocates for Indigenous rights worldwide.
