Yanomami Genocide: Using federal structure, illegal mining caused a 309% increase in deforestation on Indigenous Land

Between October 2018 and December 2022, deforestation resulting from illegal mining in the Yanomami Indigenous Land increased by 309%, according to a survey prepared by the Hutukara Yanomami Association. In December 2022, the last month of Jair Bolsonaro’s government, the deforested area was 5,053.82 hectares, compared to 1,236 hectares detected at the beginning of the monitoring.

Illegal miners also used a FUNAI (National Indigenous Foundation) base that was supposed to protect the Yanomami, according to an unpublished document obtained by Agência Pública. Document from 2021 cites clandestine helicopters, armed men and miners using government structure inside the territory.