Federal mega-operation seizes one ton of cassiterite illegally extracted from Yanomami Land, destroys aircraft

Federal agents seized about one ton of illegally extracted cassiterite during patrols on the Paredão Velho Secondary Road, in the Alto Alegre region, close to the Yanomami Indigenous Land. The operation was carried out by the Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (Instituto Brasileiro do Meio Ambiente e dos Recursos Naturais Renováveis/IBAMA) and the National Public Security Force (Força Nacional de Segurança Pública/FNSP). The agents made this seizure during an inspection of two cargo vehicles; the drivers were arrested and brought before the Federal Police Superintendence (Superintendência da Polícia Federal) for legal action.

In addition to the ore, the agents discovered two Starlink antennas near the location. This satellite internet technology has been used by illegal mining groups, allowing them to communicate in remote areas. The joint action took place last Sunday, February 2.

National Force agents intercepted a vehicle carrying a ton of cassiterite, a mineral used in the production of tin. Image: National Force

Another operation carried out by Ibama and the National Force, last Friday (31), resulted in the destruction of a Cessna Aircraft, model 182P. The plane was being used to transport supplies, fuel and equipment to supply illegal mining in the region. The agents were in the locality known as Novo Paraíso, near the Itã River, inspecting clandestine airstrips.

In addition to destroying the aircraft, several items found at the site were destroyed by Ibama officials, including tarpaulins and wooden easels, empty fuel canisters, lubricant packaging, zinc sheets and fuselage parts, various tools, Styrofoam boxes containing household utensils and water canisters. In addition, a Garmin aeronautical GPS was seized by IBAMA agents and will be forwarded to the Federal Police for investigation.

The destruction of the aircraft has a significant impact on the logistics of the illegal miners, making it difficult to transport supplies and reducing their ability to operate in the region.

Balance of Operation OD-TIY (March 2024 to January 2025)

Since the beginning of Operation Disintrusion of the Yanomami Indigenous Land (OD-TIY), coordinated by the Government House (Casa de Governo) in March 2024, 3,843 actions have been carried out to inspect and combat illegal mining. The operations have resulted in the destruction of 136,000 liters of diesel, 1,182 engines, 656 light machines and 120 boats, as well as the seizure of 226 kg of mercury and 132 Starlink antennas used to coordinate illegal activity.

The estimated loss to illegal miners has already exceeded BRL 284.5 million, with the destruction of 32 aircraft, 120 boats, 70 rafts, 20 dredges and the seizure of over 143 tons of cassiterite.

The Government House, through the TIY Disintrusion Operation (OD-TIY), maintains control and surveillance of the territory to prevent illegal reoccupation and guarantee territorial protection. The actions continue to focus on maintaining the integrity of the indigenous land and the safety of the Yanomami, Ye'kwana and Sanöma communities.