Indigenous protesters, numbering around 200, have blocked access to the Altamira airport in southwestern Pará as part of a protest against the gold mining project by Belo Sun. This demonstration comes on the heels of a mobilization that began in February with groups occupying the regional headquarters of the National Indigenous Peoples Foundation (Funai) in the municipality. The protest is aimed at pressuring government authorities and agencies to revoke the mining license granted to Belo Sun, which the Indigenous groups argue poses a significant threat to their health and environment.

According to the Movement of Indigenous Women of the Médio Xingu, the airport blockade seeks to escalate the demand for the cancellation of Belo Sun's operating license. The leaders of the protest, including Sol Juruna from the Paquiçamba Indigenous Land, are calling for urgent action, citing health concerns such as illness among children and elders in the community, which they attribute to the company's activities. They insist that they will maintain their protest until their demands are met and the mining project is terminated.

Belo Sun has maintained that their operations will comply with environmental licensing conditions, yet the Indigenous groups remain steadfast in their opposition. The situation reflects broader tensions between Indigenous rights, environmental protection, and corporate interests in Brazil, particularly as mineral exploration continues to expand into areas traditionally inhabited by Indigenous peoples. This ongoing conflict highlights the need for a balanced approach to development that respects the rights of Indigenous communities while addressing economic interests.