The outbreak of illegal gold mining in the Brazilian Amazon boosts deforestation

Abstract Increased prices and political pressure are boosting illegal gold mining in the Brazilian Amazon, threatening forests, indigenous people, conservation of biodiversity protected areas. The rate deforestation increased more than 90% from 2017 to 2020, reaching 101.7 km 2 annually 2020 compared 52.9 2017. In that period, grew clearing within leases. While formal is required comply with environmental regulations, most small-scale or artisanal especially areas abandoned after reserves exhausted, without proper rehabilitation. Deforestation due likely increase next years, calling for coordination between local regional policies as well strengthening expanding international mechanisms traceability mineral supply chains certification schemes help curb mining.