The Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources, Ibama, has carried out an overflight and identified more than 400 mining dredges on the Madeira River in the state of Rondônia, Brazil. With the illegal activity, the institute estimates that 100kg of mercury is being dumped into the river, contaminating water, soil and air. According to Ibama, measures will be taken in the region to curb the environmental crime. According to the Institute, in 99 per cent of cases there is no permission to carry out this activity, which will soon be combated by the Federal Police. In October last year, the PF blew up more than 100 dredges used for gold extraction on the Madeira River in an operation against illegal mining that lasted three days.

Source: Amazon Agency