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 the city of Maués, in the south of Amazonas. The action brought 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 the municipality produces more than 6 kilos of gold per day – "one of the most profitable mines in all of Latin America", according to the Federal Police. Also according to the PF, the place practices the so-called "well mining" – in which workers operate underground – without any personal protective equipment. 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. 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 indicate whether there were arrests in the act, nor how many of the more than 70 workers have already been rescued. The operation, called "Obscure Mining", began last Friday (26) and should continue until next Friday (3), when the Federal Police should release a new balance sheet.

Source: Amazon Agency