This story excerpt was translated from Portuguese. Our website is available in English, Spanish, bahasa Indonesia, French, and Portuguese.
Manganese is the fourth most used metal in the world. Countries in Western Europe, as well as the U.S. and China, have steel industries that depend on reserves in Brazil. In this series of reports, CBN radio covers everything from the illegal extraction of manganese in municipalities of Pará, to its arrival in the port city of Barcarena, where it is exported to other countries.
As a nonprofit journalism organization, we depend on your support to fund journalism covering underreported issues around the world. Donate any amount today to become a Pulitzer Center Champion and receive exclusive benefits!
Episode 1: Manganese Is Exploited and Transported Illegally in Pará
Manganese is the fourth most used metal in the world. Countries in Western Europe, as well as the US and China, have steel industries that depend on reserves in Brazil. In the first episode of a series of reports, CBN covers from the illegal extraction of manganese in municipalities of Pará, to its arrival in the port city of Barcarena, where it is exported to other countries.
Episode 2: Illegal Exploitation of Manganese in Pará Causes Environmental and Social Impacts in the Region
The illegal exploitation of manganese leaves an illegal trail of destruction to the environment, since the rules for recovery of areas after mining are not respected. Besides this, land conflicts are present in the region, since many traditional populations are forcibly removed from areas considered suitable for ore mining. Listen to the second episode of the series of reports on the subject.
Episode 3: Pandemic Did Not Slow Down Illegal Manganese Route in Brazil
In the last episode of the series of reports on the illegal exploitation of manganese in Brazil, CBN talks about the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on this trade. Among the consequences are: a decrease in inspections, operations, and disarticulation of social movements. On the other hand, the increase in demand, with the heating up of the international mineral market, has contributed to the intensification of illegal ore extraction in the Amazon.