Senate creates group to discuss mining on indigenous lands

Senate President David Alcolumbre (Union-AP) said on Wednesday (23) the creation of a working group (WG) to discuss mining in indigenous lands. With 11 senators, the group will be chaired by the vice president of the Agricultural Parliamentary Front (FPA), Senator Tereza Cristina (PP-MS). Senate creates group to discuss mining on indigenous lands

Second act published in Official Senate Gazette this Tuesday (22), The group will have 180 days to prepare a bill proposal to regulate the research and mining of mineral resources in indigenous territories.

“The measure meets what establishes the Federal Constitution, which attributes to the National Congress exclusive competence to legislate on the subject,” says a statement by the president of the Senate.

Historically, Brazil’s main indigenous organizations are contrary to mineral exploitation in their territories. Recently, the Minister of Indigenous Peoples, Sônia Guajajara, manifested against this type of enterprise in the lands of the original peoples.

According to Alcolumbre, the objective is to offer a proposal “balanced, technically grounded and free of ideological contamination”.

“The Federal Senate does not want a text that legitimizes the predatory exploitation of our riches, as we have seen so many times in the past. We also do not want an initiative that paralyze social inclusion of people who live in these lands and want a future with better conditions. Our commitment is with a responsible text, which reconcile development with respect to the rights of traditional communities,” said the Senate President.

Earlier this year, Supreme Court Minister Gilmar Mendes suggested bill that would pave the way for mining in indigenous lands. Faced with criticism of indigenous representatives, the proposal was suspended.

During the 21st edition of the Terra Livre Camp (ATL), in Brasilia, earlier this month, indigenous people again criticized mining in their territories. The event is the main and largest indigenous manifestation in Brazil.

The secretary secretary of the Coordination of Indigenous Organizations of the Brazilian Amazon (COIAB), Marciely Tupari, explained to Agência Brasil, During the camp, that mining has negative impacts in the way of life of the communities.

“We have an example of the impact that mining brings into the territories and our rivers, as with Yanomami and Munduruku. Relatives are suffering from malnutrition, with mercury inside the body, fish are contaminated,” said Marciely.

The working group will consist of the following members: