Bolsonaro to open up indigenous lands to miners

On Monday afternoon, Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro launched the Mining and Development Program, which, among other things, intends to regulate mining activities on protected indigenous lands. 

Drawn up by the Mines and Energy Ministry, the plan includes 108 targets and guidelines to be implemented over the next three years. While also including provisions for mining in border areas and fast-tracking licenses, the possibility of allowing mining in indigenous territories is by far the most controversial aspect of the program.

Jair Bolsonaro has had his eye on exploiting indigenous lands ever since taking office as president. “Whatever we can do for you to have autonomy over your geographical perimeters, we will do,” said Mr. Bolsonaro in April last year, after a meeting with indigenous leaders. “In [the state of] Roraima, there are BRL 3 trillion [USD 500 billion] under the ground. And Indians have the right to explore this rationally. Indians cannot keep being poor on top of rich land,” he added.

In February, Mr. Bolsonaro submitted a bill regulating the exploitation of mineral, water, and organic resources on indigenous reservations. House Speaker Rodrigo Maia set up a special committee to discuss the matter, but debates were brought to a standstill by the Covid-19 pandemic. 

President Bolsonaro’s plan...