Federal operation finds more than 70 miners in conditions similar to slavery in AM | Policy

Operation attempts to dismantle illegal mining area in Maués, in the south of Amazonas

A joint operation by federal agencies found, this Monday (29), more than 70 miners living in conditions similar to slavery in an illegal mining area in Maués, in the south of Amazonas.

The action brings together teams from the Federal Police, ICMBio, the Ministry of Labor and Employment and the Public Ministry of Labor.

According to investigations, this illegal activity in Maués produces more than 6 kilos of gold per day – “one of the most profitable mines in all of Latin America”, according to the PF.

Still according to the PF, the place practices the so-called “well mining” – in which workers operate underground – without any personal protective equipment.

Operation catches workers in a situation similar to slavery in illegal mining in Maués

The material released by the investigators also cites cases of debt bondage, “highlighting the inhumane exploitation of workers”.

At the scene, the PF seized a notebook with notes about alleged purchases, or debts, made by the workers.

The list includes cigarettes, personal hygiene items, boxes of chocolates and even basic health supplies, such as bandages and saline solution. The page is dated the 18th.

Until this Wednesday morning (30), the bodies involved in the operation had not released the names of those responsible for the illegal mining.

The published material also does not say whether there were arrests in the act, nor how many of the more than 70 workers have already been rescued.

The operation, called “Minação Obscura”, began last Friday (26) and should continue until next Friday (3), when the PF should release a new balance sheet.