Enviro News Asia, Rondônia — The Brazilian Federal Police (Polícia Federal/PF), in joint action with the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA), launched Operation Hefesto II on Friday (October 24) to prevent and suppress illegal gold extraction and other environmental crimes along the Madeira River, particularly in the stretch between the districts of Aliança, São Carlos, and Nazaré, in the state of Rondônia.
During the operation, authorities identified medium- and large-scale dredges and barges used for gold extraction, indicating an organized and large-scale mining operation, distinct from small-scale artisanal practices. Due to the impracticality of removing the heavy equipment, 49 vessels and engines employed in the illegal activity were rendered unusable on site.
Officers also seized mobile phones from the suspects found aboard the vessels and bottles containing mercury, a highly toxic substance commonly used in illegal gold processing. All confiscated materials and disabled vessels will be duly recorded and processed according to legal procedures.
Illegal mining on the riverbed has caused significant environmental damage, including deforestation and mercury contamination, posing direct harm to Indigenous and riverside communities in the region. This operation took place about a month after Operations Leviatá and Boiuna, which also targeted illegal mining on the Madeira River—demonstrating a continued effort to combat environmental crimes in the Brazilian Amazon.
Investigations are now focused on identifying the financiers, logistical operators, and other links in the criminal chain, including those responsible for providing material support and purchasing illegally extracted gold. The perpetrators may face charges for environmental crimes, misappropriation of federal assets, and criminal association, among other offenses uncovered during the investigation.
The Federal Police reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Brazil’s natural resources and combating environmental crimes throughout the Amazon region. (*)
