Pressures for mining activity on indigenous lands in the Brazilian Amazon

The Amazon is known for its complex ecosystems, mineral abundance and territory of indigenous peoples, where various socioenvironmental conflicts occur. The objective of the study was to analyze the pressures on indigenous lands caused by mining activity located in the state of Par & aacute;. The data were achieved in a database of Brazilian official agencies. Map algebra and descriptive statistics were used to generate the Mineral Pressure Index (IPM) for data analysis and treatment. The results show that 90% of indigenous lands are regularized, and the greatest pressures are caused by panning activity and gold exploitation. About 50% of the total extension of the studied indigenous lands was classified with the IPM "High" and "Extremely High". The data showed that the most exposed indigenous lands for mining activity are Menkragnoti, Bat, Apyterewa, Arara, Xikrin do Rio Catete, Terra Sai-Cinza, Parque do Tumucumaque, Riu Paru D'este, Trombetas/Mapuera and Manhud & aacute;/Mapuera. However, this study aims to encourage action for new research on this theme, as well as to support actions and strategies of diverse institutions that fight for the sustainability of the Amazon.