Artisanal mining is a common activity in various regions of Brazil, but despite its economic benefits it also faces significant challenges that expose workers to multiple risks, including the use of mercury in mineral extraction. These challenges are especially pronounced for Brazilian women, who often face gender discrimination, poor working conditions, and health risks.
The Gold Without Mercury Project (Ouro Sem Mercúrio) carried out as part of the country’s Minamata National Action Plan project (funded by the Global Environment Facility and led by UNEP) to reduce and when feasible eliminate mercury use in the sector, talked to two women, Maria Irlene and Cleiciane, who work in artisanal gold mining sector in Itaituba , in the state of Pará, Brazil. They provided valuable insights into the realities of women in artisanal mining and their hopes for the future.
The region where Maria and Cleiciani work is known as the Tapajós Mineral Province, also referred to as the Tapajós Gold Province. This geological region spans approximately 100,000 square kilometers in the heart of the Amazon Basin and is rich in mineral deposits, particularly gold. Mining in this area has a long history, dating back to the 19th century when gold was first discovered.
Today, the Tapajós Mineral Province is home to several large-scale mining operations, as well as countless small-scale, formal and informal mining activities.
Recognition and Dignity for Women
Maria, 57, has been working in artisanal gold mining in Pará for the past 30 years . After the death of her parents, she took over the responsibility for her family's mine, which employs 22 workers. "The region's mining activity is fueled by the presence of migrant miners, who come in search of work and end up living in precarious conditions” -says Maria. “The lack of basic infrastructure, such as sanitation, housing, and health, is a reoccurring problem”
Cleiciane, 34, is following the footsteps of her parents and grandparents working in Marupá community as a subsistence miner. In her experience women are often hired to work in the kitchen of the mine, while men are responsible for mineral extraction.
Despite the difficulties, Maria and other miners are fighting to work in a regulated and safer manner. While seeking to support their families Maria and her fellow miners seek to generate employment and provide security to workers and nearby communities. "The only thing we want now in terms of work is our legalization, our right to work. To work with dignity, to be seen as a working citizen," she declares.
Maria argues that women have an essential role in changing the image of the miner, often associated with the figure of the villain. She believes women can show that it is possible to work with honesty and dignity in this sector. However, there is still a struggle for equal opportunities and appreciation of women's work in artisanal mining. "It is necessary to see the woman miner as someone determined and capable of doing work as important as that of men," she reflects.
A More Sustainable and Responsible Future
Both Maria and Cleiciane live through the challenges that still exist in artisanal and small scale gold mining and stress the importance of seeking more just and sustainable solutions for all involved.
Even though the artisanal mining as a profession in Brazil is going through a difficult times Cleiciane harvests hope for the future: "we are modernizing more and more each day, now being able to have an opportunity to work without mercury with this new project...and thus be able to work more peacefully and provide greater support to our employees."
Maria explains that previously mercury was burned outdoors, leading to serious health problems. Currently, she uses the retort, which allows for the recovery and reuse of mercury, reducing the amount of metal used. Maria is enthusiastic about the new methods being developed because she believes they will bring more safety and quality to the work of artisanal miners.
Both argue it is important that the government and other institutions help to find solutions to the problems faced by artisanal miners, ensuring a safer and more sustainable activity for all involved.
The voices of Maria and Cleiciane and all women in mining are essential to trigger safer, more responsible, and sustainable artisanal and small-scale gold mining in Brazil. The adoption of cleaner technologies and valuing women’s work are important steps to ensure decent working conditions and environmental preservation. Women play a crucial role in safeguarding ecosystem services and supporting the socio-economic development of local communities. As such engaging and training women in artisanal and small-scale gold mining sector will not only promote gender equality, but also contribute to a more sustainable and responsible mining operations.
