SAO PAULO, Brazil –
An Indigenous group in Brazil said Wednesday its members detained 12 people for allegedly mining illegally in the Amazon and handed them over to police.
The non-profit Urihi Associacao Yanomami said in a statement that the incident took place Tuesday in the northern state of Roraima, which borders Venezuela. The organization said its move was aimed at avoiding the risk of water contamination by mercury in mining.
Brazil’s Indigenous Peoples Ministry confirmed that a dozen alleged miners, including 10 men and two women, were in police custody.
The Yanomami group filmed some of its members carrying bows and shotguns as they took the alleged miners to police. The detainees did not make comments in the video. The Associated Press could not find a spokesperson for them.
The Yanomami community is the Amazon’s largest Indigenous tribe living in relative isolation, and many of its members are contaminated with mercury coming from widespread illegal gold mining, according to Brazil’s top public health institute.
### Illegal Mining in Yanomami Territory
The Yanomami territory, which covers an area the size of Portugal and has a population of 27,000, has endured decades of illegal mining. Their struggle against illegal miners has intensified during the recent years, especially during the term of former President Jair Bolsonaro.
### Criticism of Government Response
The Yanomami group criticized the administrations of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva for not effectively removing illegal miners from their territory and improving their health conditions. Despite promises made by Lula, Indigenous leaders feel that their needs have not been adequately addressed.
### International Attention and Support
On April 10, Pope Francis met with a leader of Brazil’s Yanomami people, who sought papal support for efforts to combat exploitation of the Amazon and protect Indigenous communities. This meeting highlights the global concern and solidarity towards the challenges faced by Indigenous groups in the region.
### Environmental Impact and Importance of Indigenous-Controlled Lands
The Amazon rainforest serves as a critical buffer against climate change, and studies show that forests under Indigenous control are better preserved. Supporting Indigenous communities in their fight against illegal activities like mining is essential for the conservation of the Amazon and the well-being of its inhabitants.
