Brazil court deals blow to massive Amazon gold mine project

A Brazilian federal court on Monday upheld the suspension of an environmental licence for what would be the largest open-pit gold mine in the nations Amazon rainforest, dealing a blow to the Canada-based company behind the project.

Belo Sun Mining Corp. was appealing the same courts 2017 ruling, which found that the companys consultation with local Indigenous peoples and study on the projects socio-environmental impacts didnt meet the criteria required by the National Indian Foundation.

In a 3-0 vote, the court maintained its prior ruling. Belo Sun can appeal the decision to a higher court.

The companys Volta Grande project is located on the banks of the Xingu River, in the state of Para. It is located about 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) from Belo Monte, the worlds third-biggest hydroelectric dam. The Belo Monte dam has reduced the flow in the Volta Grande (Big Bend) stretch of the Xingu River, where the Belo Sun project is located. Among other impacts, the fish population, a staple for the local population, is diminishing.

“My community wasnt consulted about the Belo Sun project, Lorena Curuaia, a leader from the Iawa village, told The Associated Press by phone. Belo Monte already has had a major impact on the Xingu. A second project could mean the death of the local peoples.” Belo Sun has argued that it already consulted the Indigenous peoples, and that their closest community is more than 10 km (6 miles) away. The Federal Prosecutors Office states that the company only considered officially demarcated areas, and that Indigenous communities outside these places should also be taken into account.

Contacted by phone and email Monday, Belo Suns office in Brazil didnt respond to AP requests for comment about the courts decision or if it would appeal.

According to the company, the project covers 2,400 hectares (5,930 acres).

“This is another victory for the Indigenous and riverine people of Volta Grande do Xingu,” federal prosecutor Felício de Araújo Pontes Jr. said in a text message. “They know that a mining project can have devastating impacts on the region. The judgment shows the resilience of this population.” RDKRDK

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