Federal Government removes invaders, provides assistance at Yanomami Land

Federal operations at the Yanomami Indigenous Land, coordinated by the Government House (Casa de Governo), are providing support for the indigenous population and eradicating illegal mining activities. A June 25 joint operation by the Army, the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA) and the National Security Force destroyed an illegal mining camp in the Xitei region. The intruder camp was set up with a kitchen with three freezers, a Starlink satellite internet system, a large scale for weighing illegally extracted minerals and communication radios.

The operation also destroyed 3,000 kilos of cassiterite, a highly exploited ore in the region and seized 2,300 liters of fuel used to power the mining equipment. A clandestine airstrip was also deactivated, preventing the transportation of materials and miners to the area.

According to one of the officers in charge of the operation, "destroying the camps and seizing equipment are important steps towards dismantling the illegal mining networks. We are committed to guaranteeing the integrity of these lands and the safety of the indigenous populations that depend on them," he said.

The fight against illegal mining in the Yanomami Indigenous Land is part of an ongoing effort by the Federal Government to protect indigenous populations and preserve the environment. The security raids aim to dismantle illegal mining infrastructures that cause great environmental damage and threaten the lives and health of the Yanomami. The coordinated presence of various federal bodies reflects this mission’s importance and urgency.

Food distribution

Alongside the security operations, the Federal Government is delivering food to communities still struggling to feed themselves due to the destruction caused by illegal mining.

Since April, the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples (Ministério dos Povos Indígenas/MPI) distributed a total of 8,763 food baskets to hundreds of families. Since the beginning of 2023, 78,000 baskets have provided food for Indigenous communities.

The baskets are distributed at regional hubs like Surucucu and Auris, with additional emergency deliveries to the Missão Katramani community. Recently, thanks to the de-intrusion and mine-combating efforts, the Palimiu area has also been served.

The hampers are distributed through regional hubs.

"The situation is critical and these basic food packages are a lifeline for many families," said Paulo Oliveira, director of territorial protection at the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples (Ministério dos Povos Indígenas/ MPI), who is responsible for the operation. "We are working tirelessly to ensure that each community receives the necessary support."

Each food basket was carefully prepared to include staples that are part of the Yanomamis’ traditional diet: manioc flour, rice, salt and animal proteins such as canned fish. The packages are being transported by air, a significant logistical undertaking of BRL 185 million (approximately USD 33 million).

"By removing intruders and fighting illegal mining, we have expanded our operational reach to communities that had become isolated," added Oliveira. "This is an important step towards restoring the dignity and food security of the Yanomami."

Director Nilton Tubino, from the Government House, highlighted the federal administration's commitment to protecting and supporting Indigenous communities that have suffered from the illegal exploitation of their territories. "We are determined to move beyond providing immediate assistance to ensure the long-term security and sustainability of these communities," he declared.

This emergency operation has been widely recognized as a model of effective humanitarian intervention, showing how government support and well-coordinated logistics can make a difference in crises. However, the challenges remain and the fight against illegal mining continues to be a priority to ensure the preservation of Yanomami territory and culture. The Federal Government's goal is to eradicate illegal activities, sending a clear message of commitment to the protection of Brazil's natural resources and indigenous communities.