An activity developed in the North region that is quite questioned is mining. As the region is home to countless gold deposits in its subsoil, the activity intensified and attracted thousands of people.
Mining is a mineral extractive activity that uses rudimentary techniques. Most of the mines that exist in the region are mainly looking for gold and diamonds. The large areas of concentration of deposits are found in Pará, the valley of the Tapajós River; in Rondônia, the Madeira River valley; in Tocantins, Tocantins river. It is worth noting that in Serra Pela (Pará), this activity still exists.
Mining does not only generate wealth, on the contrary, it causes a series of problems for the North region, many of them of a social nature. This is due to the poor quality of life of the miners, who live in small villages without any kind of infrastructure (treated water, sewage, health, schools, among others). They also destabilize peace, as they invade unsuitable lands, such as state and indigenous reserves, often on the basis of violent confrontations.
Garimpeiros also produce enormous environmental impacts in the Amazon region. The main cause of the numerous impacts produced, without a doubt, is mercury, a substance used to remove impurities from gold. Mercury is toxic, it contaminates workers, rivers, fish, wild animals and people who use the region's waters.
By Eduardo de Freitas
Graduated in Geography
Source: Brazil School - https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/brasil/o-garimpo-na-regiao-norte.htm