The Brazilian Supreme Court has authorized mineral exploration on the indigenous lands of the Cinta Larga people, subject to community control and environmental regulations.
The Supreme Federal Court (STF) of Brazil has recently authorized mineral exploration in four indigenous territories belonging to the Cinta Larga community. This pivotal decision, announced by Minister Flávio Dino, establishes that the mining activities must be conducted under the supervision of the indigenous communities themselves and must adhere to environmental, social, and legal requirements. The decision is significant as it balances economic interests with Indigenous rights, allowing the communities to have control over the exploitation of their lands.
The Cinta Larga people inhabit areas spanning approximately 2.7 million hectares in the states of Mato Grosso and Rondônia. The four specific territories affected by this ruling include TI Roosevelt, TI Parque do Aripuanã, TI Aripuanã, and TI Serra Morena. This authorization provides a framework within which mineral resources can be utilized, potentially offering economic benefits to the communities while also emphasizing the importance of compliance with protective regulations.
Moreover, the ruling sets a two-year timeline for the Brazilian National Congress to regulate the process of mineral exploitation in indigenous lands, addressing a legislative gap that has persisted for 37 years. This decision reflects an urgent need for legal clarity and oversight on the activities that impact Indigenous territories, highlighting the ongoing challenges of balancing development with the rights of Indigenous peoples in Brazil.
