The Brazilian government keeps giving out mining licenses in the Amazon - in spite of evidence of gold 'laundering'

Based on the information provided, here are the key points about mining activities and their impacts in the Tapajós region:

1. Mining Concentration: A small number of individuals control a significant portion of mining applications within the Tapajós Area of Environmental Protection (APA). For example:

   • Lawyer José Antunes holds 162 PLGs (Permit to Conduct Prospecting) covering more than 8,000 hectares.
   • 21 individuals control over half (3,382 out of 6,255) of the PLG applications within the Tapajós APA.

2. Environmental and Health Impacts:

   • Mining activities are causing deforestation, river alteration, and illegal mercury use in Permanent Preservation Areas.
   • Mercury contamination is affecting local communities, particularly Indigenous residents. For instance:
     • Aleckson, born with spastic tetraparesis, has 6.9 µg/g of mercury in his hair (three times the WHO safe limit).
     • His mother Alnice also shows high levels of mercury exposure.

3. Regulatory Issues:

   • Despite evidence and warnings, regulatory bodies like the National Mining Agency (ANM) continue

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