Minister Allows Mining in Preserved Areas of the Amazon
Companies were allowed to explore mining in border regions
General Augusto Heleno, minister of the Institutional Security Office of the Presidency, authorized the advancement of seven gold exploitation projects in a preserved area of the Amazon.
Heleno is the executive secretary of the Defense Council, a body that serves to assist the President of the Republic, Jair Bolsonaro, in matters of sovereignty and defense. It is up to the GSI minister to say yes or no to proposals for mining along the border.
With projects submitted by the National Mining Agency, the general allowed mining in São Gabriel da Cachoeira (AM).
Among those who received authorization from the GSI to advance in prospecting for gold in the Amazon are businessmen who had areas embargoed by the Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources after the registration of infractions.
Heleno defended the authorizations he signed: "Respecting the legislation and the environment, we will continue to map our wealth for the good of Brazil and our people."
The Federal Public Ministry in Amazonas opened an investigation to analyze the case.
Translated by Kiratiana Freelon