Amazon Gold Mining Continues

Illegal gold mining in the Amazon rainforest continues to thrive, with billions of dollars worth of gold being extracted despite efforts by the Brazilian government to crack down on the practice [2]. According to a report by Mongabay, gold mining presumed to be illegal caused 6,000 hectares of deforestation in Amazonian protected areas and Indigenous territories during the last three months of 2025 [1]. The soaring gold prices are driving this destruction, with experts calling for more monitoring, law enforcement, and coordinated action between countries to tackle the issue [1].

Key takeaways

• 6,000 hectares of deforestation in Amazonian protected areas and Indigenous territories during the last three months of 2025 [1]
• Soaring gold prices are driving the destruction, with the price of gold rising by more than 50% last year [1]
• Billions of dollars worth of gold is still being extracted illegally from Brazil's Amazon rainforest, with "ghost permits" being used to falsify the origin of illegally mined gold [2]

The Scale of the Problem

The problem of illegal gold mining in the Amazon is widespread, with new mining scars being identified in all nine Amazonian countries [1]. Brazil, Peru, and Guyana are the most affected countries, with roughly 2,000 hectares of forest being cleared in Brazil, followed by 1,700 hectares in Peru, and 900 hectares in Guyana [1]. The Amazon Mining Watch platform, which uses an AI algorithm to recognize mining scars in satellite images, has identified 496,000 hectares of Indigenous territories and protected areas that were affected by mining between 2018 and 2025 [1].

The Impact on Local Communities

The impact of illegal gold mining on local communities is significant, with environmental pollution, forest degradation, and social problems being reported [1]. In Guyana's Kamarang Keng Indigenous territory, mining has caused disruption to subsistence farming and brought drugs into the territory, according to Alma Marshall, the toshao, or Indigenous leader [1]. The Kayapo chief Megaron Txucarramae has also expressed frustration at the government's failure to act, saying that illegal mining destroys the land, pollutes the rivers, and Indigenous people end up eating poisoned fish [2].

Why it Matters

The continued extraction of billions of dollars worth of gold from the Amazon rainforest despite government efforts to crack down on the practice is a significant concern [2]. The use of "ghost permits" to falsify the origin of illegally mined gold highlights the need for more effective monitoring and law enforcement [2]. The Amazon Mining Watch platform's quarterly reports provide a valuable tool for tracking the spread of illegal gold mining and identifying areas where action is needed [1]. As the price of gold continues to rise, it is likely that the problem of illegal gold mining in the Amazon will only continue to grow, making it essential for governments and civil society to work together to address the issue [1].