AP

Brazil pushes illegal miners out of Yanomami territory

Feb 7, 2023, 5:33 PM | Updated: Feb 9, 2023, 9:20 pm

Yanomami Indigenous people stand outside the Health Indigenous House, a center responsible for supp...

Yanomami Indigenous people stand outside the Health Indigenous House, a center responsible for supporting and assisting Indigenous people in Boa Vista, Roraima state, Brazil Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)

(AP Photo/Edmar Barros)


              Yanomami Indigenous people stand outside the Health Indigenous House, a center responsible for supporting and assisting Indigenous people in Boa Vista, Roraima state, Brazil Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Yanomami women sit with their babies outside the Health Indigenous House, a center responsible for supporting and assisting Indigenous people, in Boa Vista, Roraima state, Brazil Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Containers used for mining sit on the bank of the Uraricoera River as miners pass by in a boat in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, to leave Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Miners navigate the Uraricoera River as some miners leave Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Miner Joao Batista Costa, 61, walks for days to leave the Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. Costa, told reporters the Yanomami are dying of hunger and that the recent emergency shipment of food has not been enough. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              In this image provided by IBAMA, Brazil's Environmental Agency, an agent watches as a structure and plane belonging to miners is engulfed in flames in the Yanomami Indigenous territory, Roraima state, Brazil, Feb. 6, 2023. Brazilian authorities launched an operation to reclaim Yanomami Indigenous territory from thousands of illegal gold miners who have contaminated rivers and brought famine and disease to one of the most isolated populations of the world. (IBAMA via AP)
            
              Yanomami Indigenous people stand outside the Health Indigenous House, a center responsible for supporting and assisting Indigenous people in Boa Vista, Roraima state, Brazil Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Yanomami women sit with their babies outside the Health Indigenous House, a center responsible for supporting and assisting Indigenous people, in Boa Vista, Roraima state, Brazil Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Containers used for mining sit on the bank of the Uraricoera River as miners pass by in a boat in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, to leave Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Miners navigate the Uraricoera River as some miners leave Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Miner Joao Batista Costa, 61, walks for days to leave the Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. Costa, told reporters the Yanomami are dying of hunger and that the recent emergency shipment of food has not been enough. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              In this image provided by IBAMA, Brazil's Environmental Agency, an agent watches as a structure and plane belonging to miners is engulfed in flames in the Yanomami Indigenous territory, Roraima state, Brazil, Feb. 6, 2023. Brazilian authorities launched an operation to reclaim Yanomami Indigenous territory from thousands of illegal gold miners who have contaminated rivers and brought famine and disease to one of the most isolated populations of the world. (IBAMA via AP)
            
              Yanomami Indigenous people stand outside the Health Indigenous House, a center responsible for supporting and assisting Indigenous people in Boa Vista, Roraima state, Brazil Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Yanomami women sit with their babies outside the Health Indigenous House, a center responsible for supporting and assisting Indigenous people, in Boa Vista, Roraima state, Brazil Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Containers used for mining sit on the bank of the Uraricoera River as miners pass by in a boat in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, to leave Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Miners navigate the Uraricoera River as some miners leave Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Miner Joao Batista Costa, 61, walks for days to leave the Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. Costa, told reporters the Yanomami are dying of hunger and that the recent emergency shipment of food has not been enough. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Yanomami Indigenous people stand outside the Health Indigenous House, a center responsible for supporting and assisting Indigenous people in Boa Vista, Roraima state, Brazil Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Yanomami women sit with their babies outside the Health Indigenous House, a center responsible for supporting and assisting Indigenous people, in Boa Vista, Roraima state, Brazil Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Containers used for mining sit on the bank of the Uraricoera River as miners pass by in a boat in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, to leave Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Miners navigate the Uraricoera River as some miners leave Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Miner Joao Batista Costa, 61, walks for days to leave the Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. Costa, told reporters the Yanomami are dying of hunger and that the recent emergency shipment of food has not been enough. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              In this image provided by IBAMA, Brazil's Environmental Agency, an agent watches as a structure and plane belonging to miners is engulfed in flames in the Yanomami Indigenous territory, Roraima state, Brazil, Feb. 6, 2023. Brazilian authorities launched an operation to reclaim Yanomami Indigenous territory from thousands of illegal gold miners who have contaminated rivers and brought famine and disease to one of the most isolated populations of the world. (IBAMA via AP)
            
              Yanomami Indigenous people stand outside the Health Indigenous House, a center responsible for supporting and assisting Indigenous people in Boa Vista, Roraima state, Brazil Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Yanomami Indigenous people stand outside the Health Indigenous House, a center responsible for supporting and assisting Indigenous people in Boa Vista, Roraima state, Brazil Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Yanomami women sit with their babies outside the Health Indigenous House, a center responsible for supporting and assisting Indigenous people, in Boa Vista, Roraima state, Brazil Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Yanomami women sit with their babies outside the Health Indigenous House, a center responsible for supporting and assisting Indigenous people, in Boa Vista, Roraima state, Brazil Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Containers used for mining sit on the bank of the Uraricoera River as miners pass by in a boat in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, to leave Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Containers used for mining sit on the bank of the Uraricoera River as miners pass by in a boat in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, to leave Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Miners navigate the Uraricoera River as some miners leave Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Miners navigate the Uraricoera River as some miners leave Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Miner Joao Batista Costa, 61, walks for days to leave the Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. Costa, told reporters the Yanomami are dying of hunger and that the recent emergency shipment of food has not been enough. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Miner Joao Batista Costa, 61, walks for days to leave the Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. Costa, told reporters the Yanomami are dying of hunger and that the recent emergency shipment of food has not been enough. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              In this image provided by IBAMA, Brazil's Environmental Agency, an agent watches as a structure and plane belonging to miners is engulfed in flames in the Yanomami Indigenous territory, Roraima state, Brazil, Feb. 6, 2023. Brazilian authorities launched an operation to reclaim Yanomami Indigenous territory from thousands of illegal gold miners who have contaminated rivers and brought famine and disease to one of the most isolated populations of the world. (IBAMA via AP)
            
              Yanomami Indigenous people stand outside the Health Indigenous House, a center responsible for supporting and assisting Indigenous people in Boa Vista, Roraima state, Brazil Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Miner Joao Batista Costa, 61, walks for days to leave the Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. Costa, told reporters the Yanomami are dying of hunger and that the recent emergency shipment of food has not been enough. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              In this image provided by IBAMA, Brazil's Environmental Agency, an agent watches as a structure and plane belonging to miners is engulfed in flames in the Yanomami Indigenous territory, Roraima state, Brazil, Feb. 6, 2023. Brazilian authorities launched an operation to reclaim Yanomami Indigenous territory from thousands of illegal gold miners who have contaminated rivers and brought famine and disease to one of the most isolated populations of the world. (IBAMA via AP)
            
              Yanomami women sit with their babies outside the Health Indigenous House, a center responsible for supporting and assisting Indigenous people, in Boa Vista, Roraima state, Brazil Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Containers used for mining sit on the bank of the Uraricoera River as miners pass by in a boat in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, to leave Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Miners navigate the Uraricoera River as some miners leave Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Miner Joao Batista Costa, 61, walks for days to leave the Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. Costa, told reporters the Yanomami are dying of hunger and that the recent emergency shipment of food has not been enough. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              In this image provided by IBAMA, Brazil's Environmental Agency, an agent watches as a structure and plane belonging to miners is engulfed in flames in the Yanomami Indigenous territory, Roraima state, Brazil, Feb. 6, 2023. Brazilian authorities launched an operation to reclaim Yanomami Indigenous territory from thousands of illegal gold miners who have contaminated rivers and brought famine and disease to one of the most isolated populations of the world. (IBAMA via AP)
            
              Yanomami Indigenous people stand outside the Health Indigenous House, a center responsible for supporting and assisting Indigenous people in Boa Vista, Roraima state, Brazil Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Yanomami women sit with their babies outside the Health Indigenous House, a center responsible for supporting and assisting Indigenous people, in Boa Vista, Roraima state, Brazil Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Containers used for mining sit on the bank of the Uraricoera River as miners pass by in a boat in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, to leave Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Miners navigate the Uraricoera River as some miners leave Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Miner Joao Batista Costa, 61, walks for days to leave the Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. Costa, told reporters the Yanomami are dying of hunger and that the recent emergency shipment of food has not been enough. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              In this image provided by IBAMA, Brazil's Environmental Agency, an agent watches as a structure and plane belonging to miners is engulfed in flames in the Yanomami Indigenous territory, Roraima state, Brazil, Feb. 6, 2023. Brazilian authorities launched an operation to reclaim Yanomami Indigenous territory from thousands of illegal gold miners who have contaminated rivers and brought famine and disease to one of the most isolated populations of the world. (IBAMA via AP)
            
              Yanomami Indigenous people stand outside the Health Indigenous House, a center responsible for supporting and assisting Indigenous people in Boa Vista, Roraima state, Brazil Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Yanomami women sit with their babies outside the Health Indigenous House, a center responsible for supporting and assisting Indigenous people, in Boa Vista, Roraima state, Brazil Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Containers used for mining sit on the bank of the Uraricoera River as miners pass by in a boat in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, to leave Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Miners navigate the Uraricoera River as some miners leave Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Miner Joao Batista Costa, 61, walks for days to leave the Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. Costa, told reporters the Yanomami are dying of hunger and that the recent emergency shipment of food has not been enough. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              In this image provided by IBAMA, Brazil's Environmental Agency, an agent watches as a structure and plane belonging to miners is engulfed in flames in the Yanomami Indigenous territory, Roraima state, Brazil, Feb. 6, 2023. Brazilian authorities launched an operation to reclaim Yanomami Indigenous territory from thousands of illegal gold miners who have contaminated rivers and brought famine and disease to one of the most isolated populations of the world. (IBAMA via AP)
            
              Yanomami Indigenous people stand outside the Health Indigenous House, a center responsible for supporting and assisting Indigenous people in Boa Vista, Roraima state, Brazil Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Yanomami women sit with their babies outside the Health Indigenous House, a center responsible for supporting and assisting Indigenous people, in Boa Vista, Roraima state, Brazil Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Containers used for mining sit on the bank of the Uraricoera River as miners pass by in a boat in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, to leave Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Miners navigate the Uraricoera River as some miners leave Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Miner Joao Batista Costa, 61, walks for days to leave the Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. Costa, told reporters the Yanomami are dying of hunger and that the recent emergency shipment of food has not been enough. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              In this image provided by IBAMA, Brazil's Environmental Agency, an agent watches as a structure and plane belonging to miners is engulfed in flames in the Yanomami Indigenous territory, Roraima state, Brazil, Feb. 6, 2023. Brazilian authorities launched an operation to reclaim Yanomami Indigenous territory from thousands of illegal gold miners who have contaminated rivers and brought famine and disease to one of the most isolated populations of the world. (IBAMA via AP)
            
              Yanomami Indigenous people stand outside the Health Indigenous House, a center responsible for supporting and assisting Indigenous people in Boa Vista, Roraima state, Brazil Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Yanomami women sit with their babies outside the Health Indigenous House, a center responsible for supporting and assisting Indigenous people, in Boa Vista, Roraima state, Brazil Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Containers used for mining sit on the bank of the Uraricoera River as miners pass by in a boat in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, to leave Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Miners navigate the Uraricoera River as some miners leave Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Miner Joao Batista Costa, 61, walks for days to leave the Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. Costa, told reporters the Yanomami are dying of hunger and that the recent emergency shipment of food has not been enough. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              In this image provided by IBAMA, Brazil's Environmental Agency, an agent watches as a structure and plane belonging to miners is engulfed in flames in the Yanomami Indigenous territory, Roraima state, Brazil, Feb. 6, 2023. Brazilian authorities launched an operation to reclaim Yanomami Indigenous territory from thousands of illegal gold miners who have contaminated rivers and brought famine and disease to one of the most isolated populations of the world. (IBAMA via AP)
            
              Yanomami Indigenous people stand outside the Health Indigenous House, a center responsible for supporting and assisting Indigenous people in Boa Vista, Roraima state, Brazil Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Yanomami women sit with their babies outside the Health Indigenous House, a center responsible for supporting and assisting Indigenous people, in Boa Vista, Roraima state, Brazil Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Containers used for mining sit on the bank of the Uraricoera River as miners pass by in a boat in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, to leave Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Miners navigate the Uraricoera River as some miners leave Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Miner Joao Batista Costa, 61, walks for days to leave the Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. Costa, told reporters the Yanomami are dying of hunger and that the recent emergency shipment of food has not been enough. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              In this image provided by IBAMA, Brazil's Environmental Agency, an agent watches as a structure and plane belonging to miners is engulfed in flames in the Yanomami Indigenous territory, Roraima state, Brazil, Feb. 6, 2023. Brazilian authorities launched an operation to reclaim Yanomami Indigenous territory from thousands of illegal gold miners who have contaminated rivers and brought famine and disease to one of the most isolated populations of the world. (IBAMA via AP)
            
              Yanomami Indigenous people stand outside the Health Indigenous House, a center responsible for supporting and assisting Indigenous people in Boa Vista, Roraima state, Brazil Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Yanomami women sit with their babies outside the Health Indigenous House, a center responsible for supporting and assisting Indigenous people, in Boa Vista, Roraima state, Brazil Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Containers used for mining sit on the bank of the Uraricoera River as miners pass by in a boat in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, to leave Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Miners navigate the Uraricoera River as some miners leave Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Miner Joao Batista Costa, 61, walks for days to leave the Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. Costa, told reporters the Yanomami are dying of hunger and that the recent emergency shipment of food has not been enough. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              In this image provided by IBAMA, Brazil's Environmental Agency, an agent watches as a structure and plane belonging to miners is engulfed in flames in the Yanomami Indigenous territory, Roraima state, Brazil, Feb. 6, 2023. Brazilian authorities launched an operation to reclaim Yanomami Indigenous territory from thousands of illegal gold miners who have contaminated rivers and brought famine and disease to one of the most isolated populations of the world. (IBAMA via AP)
            
              Yanomami Indigenous people stand outside the Health Indigenous House, a center responsible for supporting and assisting Indigenous people in Boa Vista, Roraima state, Brazil Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Yanomami women sit with their babies outside the Health Indigenous House, a center responsible for supporting and assisting Indigenous people, in Boa Vista, Roraima state, Brazil Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Containers used for mining sit on the bank of the Uraricoera River as miners pass by in a boat in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, to leave Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Miners navigate the Uraricoera River as some miners leave Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Miner Joao Batista Costa, 61, walks for days to leave the Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. Costa, told reporters the Yanomami are dying of hunger and that the recent emergency shipment of food has not been enough. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              In this image provided by IBAMA, Brazil's Environmental Agency, an agent watches as a structure and plane belonging to miners is engulfed in flames in the Yanomami Indigenous territory, Roraima state, Brazil, Feb. 6, 2023. Brazilian authorities launched an operation to reclaim Yanomami Indigenous territory from thousands of illegal gold miners who have contaminated rivers and brought famine and disease to one of the most isolated populations of the world. (IBAMA via AP)
            
              Yanomami Indigenous people stand outside the Health Indigenous House, a center responsible for supporting and assisting Indigenous people in Boa Vista, Roraima state, Brazil Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Yanomami women sit with their babies outside the Health Indigenous House, a center responsible for supporting and assisting Indigenous people, in Boa Vista, Roraima state, Brazil Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Containers used for mining sit on the bank of the Uraricoera River as miners pass by in a boat in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, to leave Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Miners navigate the Uraricoera River as some miners leave Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Miner Joao Batista Costa, 61, walks for days to leave the Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. Costa, told reporters the Yanomami are dying of hunger and that the recent emergency shipment of food has not been enough. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              In this image provided by IBAMA, Brazil's Environmental Agency, an agent watches as a structure and plane belonging to miners is engulfed in flames in the Yanomami Indigenous territory, Roraima state, Brazil, Feb. 6, 2023. Brazilian authorities launched an operation to reclaim Yanomami Indigenous territory from thousands of illegal gold miners who have contaminated rivers and brought famine and disease to one of the most isolated populations of the world. (IBAMA via AP)
            
              Yanomami Indigenous people stand outside the Health Indigenous House, a center responsible for supporting and assisting Indigenous people in Boa Vista, Roraima state, Brazil Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Yanomami women sit with their babies outside the Health Indigenous House, a center responsible for supporting and assisting Indigenous people, in Boa Vista, Roraima state, Brazil Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Containers used for mining sit on the bank of the Uraricoera River as miners pass by in a boat in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, to leave Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Miners navigate the Uraricoera River as some miners leave Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Miner Joao Batista Costa, 61, walks for days to leave the Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. Costa, told reporters the Yanomami are dying of hunger and that the recent emergency shipment of food has not been enough. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Yanomami women sit with their babies outside the Health Indigenous House, a center responsible for supporting and assisting Indigenous people, in Boa Vista, Roraima state, Brazil Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Containers used for mining sit on the bank of the Uraricoera River as miners pass by in a boat in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, to leave Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Miners navigate the Uraricoera River as some miners leave Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Miner Joao Batista Costa, 61, walks for days to leave the Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. Costa, told reporters the Yanomami are dying of hunger and that the recent emergency shipment of food has not been enough. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Yanomami women sit with their babies outside the Health Indigenous House, a center responsible for supporting and assisting Indigenous people, in Boa Vista, Roraima state, Brazil Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Containers used for mining sit on the bank of the Uraricoera River as miners pass by in a boat in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, to leave Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Miners navigate the Uraricoera River as some miners leave Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Miner Joao Batista Costa, 61, walks for days to leave the Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. Costa, told reporters the Yanomami are dying of hunger and that the recent emergency shipment of food has not been enough. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Containers used for mining sit on the bank of the Uraricoera River as miners pass by in a boat in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, to leave Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Miners navigate the Uraricoera River as some miners leave Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Miner Joao Batista Costa, 61, walks for days to leave the Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. Costa, told reporters the Yanomami are dying of hunger and that the recent emergency shipment of food has not been enough. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Containers used for mining sit on the bank of the Uraricoera River as miners pass by in a boat in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, to leave Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Miners navigate the Uraricoera River as some miners leave Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Miner Joao Batista Costa, 61, walks for days to leave the Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. Costa, told reporters the Yanomami are dying of hunger and that the recent emergency shipment of food has not been enough. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Miners navigate the Uraricoera River as some miners leave Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Miner Joao Batista Costa, 61, walks for days to leave the Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. Costa, told reporters the Yanomami are dying of hunger and that the recent emergency shipment of food has not been enough. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Containers used for mining sit on the bank of the Uraricoera River as miners pass by in a boat in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, to leave Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Miners navigate the Uraricoera River as some miners leave Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Miner Joao Batista Costa, 61, walks for days to leave the Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. Costa, told reporters the Yanomami are dying of hunger and that the recent emergency shipment of food has not been enough. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Containers used for mining sit on the bank of the Uraricoera River as miners pass by in a boat in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, to leave Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Miners navigate the Uraricoera River as some miners leave Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Miner Joao Batista Costa, 61, walks for days to leave the Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. Costa, told reporters the Yanomami are dying of hunger and that the recent emergency shipment of food has not been enough. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Containers used for mining sit on the bank of the Uraricoera River as miners pass by in a boat in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, to leave Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Miners navigate the Uraricoera River as some miners leave Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Miner Joao Batista Costa, 61, walks for days to leave the Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. Costa, told reporters the Yanomami are dying of hunger and that the recent emergency shipment of food has not been enough. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Containers used for mining sit on the bank of the Uraricoera River as miners pass by in a boat in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, to leave Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              A miner walks for days to leave the Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Miners walk for days to leave the Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              A family rests as they travel for days to leave the Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Boats carrying mining supplies move along the Uraricoera River in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, as some miners leave Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              A miner rides on the back of a truck to leave the Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, late Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Miners walk for days to leave the Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              A miner shows gold he extracted illegally as he leaves the Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            
              Miners leave the Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)
            Miners stand on a boat on the Uraricoera River where an illegal mining camp operates in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, as miners leave Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros) Miners ride on the back of a truck to leave the Yanomami Indigenous territory ahead of expected operations against illegal mining in Alto Alegre, Roraima state, Brazil, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The government declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people in the Amazon, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)

ALTO ALEGRE, Brazil (AP) — Armed government officials with Brazil’s justice, Indigenous and environment ministries pressed illegal gold miners out of Yanomami Indigenous territory Wednesday, citing widespread river contamination, famine and disease they have brought to one of the most isolated groups in the world.

People involved in illegal gold dredging streamed away from the territory on foot. The operation could take months. There are believed to be some 20,000 people engaged in the activity, often using toxic mercury to separate the gold. An estimated 30,000 Yanomami people live in Brazil’s largest Indigenous territory, which covers an area roughly the size of Portugal and stretches across Roraima and Amazonas states in the northwest corner of Brazil’s Amazon.

The authorities — the Brazilian environmental agency Ibama, with support from the National Foundation of Indigenous Peoples and the National Guard — found an airplane, a bulldozer, and makeshift lodges and hangars, and destroyed them — as permitted by law. Two guns and three boats with 5,000 liters (1,320 gallons) of fuel were seized. They also discovered a helicopter hidden in the forest and set it ablaze.

Ibama established a checkpoint next to a Yanomami village on the Uraricoera River to interrupt the miners’ supply chain there. Agents seized the 12-meter (39-foot) boats, loaded with a ton of food, freezers, generators, and internet antennas. The cargo will now supply the federal agents. No more boats carrying fuel and equipment will be allowed to proceed past the blockade.

The large amount of supplies bound upriver could indicate some of the gold miners were ignoring President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s promise to expel them after years of neglect under his predecessor, Bolsonaro, who tried to legalize the activity.

Other miners, however, sensed it was better to return to the city. On Tuesday, The Associated Press visited a makeshift port alongside the Uraricoera River, accessible only by three-hour drive on a dirt road. Dozens of gold miners arrived over the course of the day, some of them after walking for days through the forest, en route to state capital Boa Vista.

One of them, João Batista Costa, 61, told reporters the Yanomami are dying of hunger and that recent emergency food shipments have not been enough.

The federal government has declared a public health emergency for the Yanomami people, who are suffering from malnutrition and diseases such as malaria as a consequence of illegal mining.

A report published yesterday by the Health Ministry found that gold miners have invaded four clinics inside Yanomami territory, leaving them inoperational. In the city of Boa Vista, where starving and sick Indigenous people have been medevaced to a temporary medical facility, there are 700 Yanomami, more than three times its capacity.

The gold miners, who come from poor regions, such as Maranhao state in Brazil’s Northeast, usually cross the forest wearing flip-flops, carrying only food and personal belongings in their backpacks. They sleep in hammocks in campsites.

But their mining depends on sophisticated logistics to outfox authorities and is backed by investors outside the forest. Such tactics include: illicit fuel distribution on the outskirts of Indigenous land; airstrips carved from the jungle for transport of miners and supplies; light planes with modified tail numbers, registered to front companies; helicopters operating between mining sites on the reserves, and clandestine communication networks.

“This operation hasn’t come a moment too soon,” Sarah Shenker, the head of the non-profit Survival International in Brazil, said in a statement. “It’s absolutely vital that the authorities get the miners out, and keep them out. They’ve blighted the Yanomami’s lives for far too long, and have caused untold misery and destruction. Even if all of them are removed, and they can be kept out, it will take years for the Yanomami and their rainforest to recover.”

___

Maisonnave reported from Boa Vista.

___

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