Amazonian state close to legalizing harmful wildcat mining

While the coronavirus pandemic halted multiple economic sectors, criminal industries have largely withstood the chaos. Indeed, with authorities’ attention turned to mitigating the Covid-19 crisis, one illicit activity has thrived: wildcat mining. A study revealed that gold mining in the Amazon region increased during the first half of 2020, with exports surpassing USD 1.2 billion between January and April alone.

And a decision by state lawmakers in Roraima could further boost this already booming illicit industry.

A bill legalizing wildcat mining throughout Brazil’s northernmost state was approved in Roraima state congress and is set to be signed into law by Governor Antonio Denarium. He says the proposal will allow for “sustainable wildcat mining,” a concept seen as an oxymoron by indigenous rights groups, who say the move will legalize deforestation and river pollution.

State Speaker Jalser Renier, one of the fiercest advocates for the bill,...