A group of indigenous people from the Mãe Maria Indigenous Land, home to Gavião and Guarani tribes, has lifted their blockade of the Carajás Railway in Bom Jesus do Tocantins, Pará, after a protest that lasted six days. The blockade was initiated on February 12 to demand accountability from Vale, a mining company accused of polluting rivers in the region due to the railway's duplication. The mining operations have raised concerns about environmental destruction affecting the indigenous communities living nearby.

As a result of the blockade, operations along the railway were halted. However, following the removal of the blockade, passenger train services are set to resume on February 19, as there are no operations on Wednesdays. The Carajás Railway is a vital link within Brazil's transportation network, stretching approximately 900 kilometers and connecting São Luís in Maranhão with Parauapebas in Pará, with a travel time of about 16 hours.

The indigenous communities have highlighted the ongoing issues of environmental degradation and the impact on their livelihoods caused by industrial activities. This incident not only reveals the tensions between indigenous rights and corporate interests in Brazil but also underscores the critical need for sustainable practices in such operations that affect vulnerable populations. The situation continues to warrant attention as the indigenous groups engage in dialogues with authorities to seek long-term solutions to their concerns.