In a commendable move, Hyundai, a renowned South Korean conglomerate, has recently announced its decision to cease the use of its heavy equipment in illegal mining practices in Brazil's Amazon rainforest. The decision comes in response to a comprehensive Greenpeace report, revealing that 43% of the excavators employed in these illicit activities were linked to Hyundai, reports MongabayThe hydraulic excavators, each valued at over $133,000, have proven to be highly efficient, accomplishing tasks that would take three men approximately 40 days to complete in a mere 24 hours. However, the repercussions extend beyond the immediate gains, with an estimated $400,000 in damages generated for every kilogram of gold extracted illegally from Indigenous territories in the Amazon.While addressing the root causes of illegal mining necessitates systemic changes, there are existing technological solutions capable of preventing heavy machinery from encroaching upon protected areas. Recognizing this urgency, Hyundai declared its commitment in April to preventing the usage of its excavators in illegal mining activities across the Brazilian Amazon. Greenpeace's report, which identified Hyundai as a major contributor to excavator usage in Indigenous territories, emphasizes the significance of the company's decision on a global scale.Danicley de Aguiar, Amazon forest campaigner at Greenpeace Brazil, underscored the significance of Hyundai's announcement, emphasizing the responsibility of private businesses in safeguarding the environment and human rights. Greenpeace's extensive aerial surveys and satellite mapping from 2021 to 2023 identified at least 176 hydraulic excavators predominantly operating in Yanomami, Munduruku, and Kayapó Indigenous territories.The exponential growth of garimpos (illegal mines) in the Amazon since 2010 has been facilitated by the excavators' ability to extract significantly more soil than traditional mining methods. Each excavator, more than capable of inflicting extensive environmental and social damage, generates social costs ten times higher than the profits obtained.Hyundai, renowned for its sustainability endeavors and commitment to the United Nations' Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, acknowledged the destruction and invasion of Indigenous lands caused by illegal mining in the Amazon. In response, the company plans to bolster its sales processes and compliance systems to prevent the illegal use of its heavy construction equipment. Until effective measures are implemented, Hyundai has decided to cease selling heavy construction equipment and providing related maintenance and parts services in the Amazonian states of Amazonas, Pará, and Roraima.Hyundai also pledged to sever ties with authorized reseller BMG, responsible for selling to illegal miners. The Greenpeace report revealed that BMG established dealerships and facilities near Indigenous territories, which accounted for the majority of illegal mining operations. A representative from BMG expressed solidarity with illegal miners and admiration for former president Jair Bolsonaro's pro-mining stance, which included the invasion of Indigenous territories.
In a commendable move, Hyundai, a renowned South Korean conglomerate, has recently announced its decision to cease the use of its heavy equipment in illegal mining practices in Brazil's Amazon rainforest. The decision comes in response to a comprehensive Greenpeace report, revealing that 43% of the excavators employed in these illicit activities were linked to Hyundai, reports MongabayThe hydraulic excavators, each valued at over $133,000, have proven to be highly efficient, accomplishing tasks that would take three men approximately 40 days to complete in a mere 24 hours. However, the repercussions extend beyond the immediate gains, with an estimated $400,000 in damages generated for every kilogram of gold extracted illegally from Indigenous territories in the Amazon.While addressing the root causes of illegal mining necessitates systemic changes, there are existing technological solutions capable of preventing heavy machinery from encroaching upon protected areas. Recognizing this urgency, Hyundai declared its commitment in April to preventing the usage of its excavators in illegal mining activities across the Brazilian Amazon. Greenpeace's report, which identified Hyundai as a major contributor to excavator usage in Indigenous territories, emphasizes the significance of the company's decision on a global scale.Danicley de Aguiar, Amazon forest campaigner at Greenpeace Brazil, underscored the significance of Hyundai's announcement, emphasizing the responsibility of private businesses in safeguarding the environment and human rights. Greenpeace's extensive aerial surveys and satellite mapping from 2021 to 2023 identified at least 176 hydraulic excavators predominantly operating in Yanomami, Munduruku, and Kayapó Indigenous territories.The exponential growth of garimpos (illegal mines) in the Amazon since 2010 has been facilitated by the excavators' ability to extract significantly more soil than traditional mining methods. Each excavator, more than capable of inflicting extensive environmental and social damage, generates social costs ten times higher than the profits obtained.Hyundai, renowned for its sustainability endeavors and commitment to the United Nations' Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, acknowledged the destruction and invasion of Indigenous lands caused by illegal mining in the Amazon. In response, the company plans to bolster its sales processes and compliance systems to prevent the illegal use of its heavy construction equipment. Until effective measures are implemented, Hyundai has decided to cease selling heavy construction equipment and providing related maintenance and parts services in the Amazonian states of Amazonas, Pará, and Roraima.Hyundai also pledged to sever ties with authorized reseller BMG, responsible for selling to illegal miners. The Greenpeace report revealed that BMG established dealerships and facilities near Indigenous territories, which accounted for the majority of illegal mining operations. A representative from BMG expressed solidarity with illegal miners and admiration for former president Jair Bolsonaro's pro-mining stance, which included the invasion of Indigenous territories.
