Exploitation of indigenous lands in Brazil has negative impacts on the environment and also on humans. Gold mining can destroy tropical forests and, at the same time, cause heavy metal poisoning in humans. Therefore, it is important to understand how companies buy illegally mined gold and, consequently, move this market.
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Understand illegal mining of metals
According to a report on the Repórter Brasil website, part of the metals used in products by Apple, Microsoft, Google and Amazon came from illegal mines in the Amazon. The material passed through intermediaries, organizations and reached these four companies, which are among the most valuable in the world.
How did they discover the illegal trade in gold?
The discovery occurred from reports with a list of suppliers. These companies are required by law to list their suppliers of metals, such as gold, tin, tungsten and tantalum.
Reports are filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. From this, it was identified that, between the years 2020 and 2021, these institutions acquired gold from two companies investigated by the Federal Police (PF) and Federal Public Ministry (MPF), the Italian Chimet and the Brazilian Marsam.
Impacts of illegal mining
The damage caused by illegal mining has become increasing and immeasurable. With this, we can cite as an example, the pollution of rivers and the violence of miners against indigenous people, in addition to the fact that the Amazon already has 20% of its territory deforested. In this way, illegal mining has contributed to an even more significant deforestation of the largest tropical forest in the world.
Company positioning
Only Apple has come forward and said that their sourcing standards are responsible and if a foundry or refining company fails to meet its strict criteria, they are removed from the company's supply chain.
The other three companies, Google, Microsoft and Amazon have not yet commented, however, they did not deny the purchase of Chimet and Marsam. On the other hand, the reports presented by these companies reveal the best intentions of responsibility towards the environment.
