Brazil prosecutors support rejection of indigenous land mining bill

Brazil’s public prosecutor's office backed congress’ rejection of a bill the Jair Bolsonaro administration proposed to allow mining on indigenous land.

According to prosecutors, the bill is unconstitutional. Brazil’s indigenous peoples have a constitutional right to permanent possession of their traditional lands and the exclusive rights to any wealth, however defined, these lands provide.

"The proposed bill starts from an unconstitutional premise, as it is not possible to regulate economic mining activity in indigenous territories," prosecutors said. 

When the government presented plans to open indigenous lands to mining, oil, gas, electric power and agriculture companies, a global backlash ensued.

Indigenous lands represent 12% of Brazil's territory, which is an area larger than Colombia, mostly in or close to the Amazon rainforest.

Although the mining potential in the areas remains unclear, experts suggest they contain major iron ore and gold reserves, among other metals.

As part of a strategy to boost its image, Vale recently said it will not mine on indigenous lands and withdrew all 71 requests it filed to conduct surveys in these areas.

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

The Bolsonaro administration has stirred international controversy over its relaxing of environmental standards and allow deforestation to boost economic growth.

During the first five months of 2020, deforestation has reached a five-year high, according to the WWF, using figures from Brazil’s national aerospace research institute.

The president has repeatedly criticized NGOs and environmental regulations, claiming they impede economic growth, which has been weak for years.