A Brazilian court is set to rule on Wednesday on whether to uphold a decision that could allow the controversial Volta Grande gold mine in the Amazon rainforest to proceed. The project, operated by Canadian company Belo Sun, has faced legal challenges since 2012 over environmental and Indigenous rights concerns.
The court in Brasilia will determine whether the federal government or the state of Pará has the authority to grant environmental licenses for the mine. The project is located on the banks of the Xingu River, near the Belo Monte hydroelectric dam, which has already reduced river flow and affected local communities.
If approved, the Volta Grande mine would be the largest gold extraction site in the Brazilian Amazon, covering 24 square kilometres and excavating over 600 million tonnes of material over 17 years. A 2021 independent assessment by scientists from the University of São Paulo and the University of Amazonas concluded the project was too risky due to the proposed tailings dam, which could threaten Indigenous and riverine communities.
Federal prosecutors argue that the project requires federal approval because it affects Indigenous territories and a federal waterway. They also cite cumulative impacts with the Belo Monte dam, which have already led to court-ordered compensation for affected communities. Belo Sun maintains it has conducted proper Indigenous consultation, but Indigenous groups have stated they have never agreed to the project.
