Brazil: the impacts of wildcat mining for women 06.05.2021 - Brasil de Fato - Pressenza London Illustration: The Struggle of Indigenous Women in Brazil - Fernando Bertolo
Indigenous peoples live in distress, anguish, and fear due to the illegal activity and the risk of mercury contamination
By Martha Raquel
Illicit mining activity has daily impacts on indigenous peoples in Brazil. Invasions ushered by wildcat mining meddle and disrupt the dynamics and lives of communities in the north of the country.
Women bear the brunt of wildcat mining, carrying a triple burden: besides suffering the effects of toxic mercury and caring for the sick in the communities, they are the victims of sexist and misogynistic forms of violence.