Rescue in Maués, 270 km from Manaus, was in one of the most profitable mines in Latin America, with daily production of more than 6 kg of gold
The PF (Federal Police) rescued 70 workers in a situation similar to slavery in an illegal mining site in the city of Maués, 270 km from Manaus, in the south of Amazonas. Investigations indicate that this was one of the most profitable mines in all of Latin America, with a daily production of more than 6 kg of gold.
The Mineração Obscura operation began on Friday (April 26, 2024). The mining operated in the well mode, where workers work underground. They had to climb in and out of the deep hole using a rope without any protective equipment.
The police also identified the practice of debt bondage. One of the images released shows a list of products, such as cigarettes, food and doses of malaria vaccine, that would be sold to workers.
The PF informed that those responsible for the illegal mining will be brought to justice and the workers will be rescued and receive assistance.
In addition to the PF, ICMBio (Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation), the Ministry of Labor and Employment and the Public Ministry of Labor are part of the operation, which continues until May 3rd.
With information from Agência Brasil.
