Research project maps territory in the fight against illegal mining

To address the lack of detailed geological mapping in the Southeastern Amazon, the Amazon Foundation for Support of Studies and Research (Fapespa) is supporting a project developed by professors from the Federal University of Southern and Southeastern Pará (Unifesspa). Entitled "Geological Knowledge for the Preservation of Natural Heritage and the Fight Against Illegal Mining", the research aims to deepen knowledge about the mineral resources of the region, as well as contribute to environmental preservation and combat clandestine exploitation.

The study is coordinated by professors Dr. Gilmara Feio and Dr. Cristiane Teixeira from the Geology Faculty of Unifesspa, and focuses on the transition areas between the geological provinces of Carajás and Maroni-Itacaiúnas, which encompass the municipalities of Marabá, Itupiranga, and Parauapebas in southeastern Pará.

"The Amazon, especially in Pará, is extremely rich in mineral resources, but it is also among the regions most threatened by illegal mining. Geological mapping will allow us to identify sensitive areas, promote legal and sustainable exploration, and at the same time, prevent environmental degradation," says coordinator Gilmara Feio.

Mapping as a preservation tool

With the preparation of geological maps and technical reports, the project aims to provide strategic data to agencies such as the Geological Service of Brazil and the National Mining Agency (ANM), which currently face limitations due to the lack of precise information about the region's subsurface.

Pará leads the national ranking for revenue from the Financial Compensation for the Exploration of Mineral Resources (CFEM). In 2021, according to the ANM, the state collected R$ 3.1 billion, with 85.77% of this amount coming from iron ore. Mining represents 26.3% of the state GDP, but the absence of detailed geological studies compromises strategic planning and mineral security.

Science allied with sustainability

Funded by Fapespa, the project goes beyond technical diagnosis. The initiative also aims to train professionals in the field through courses and training activities in partnership with institutions such as the Federal University of Pará (UFPA), the Vale Technological Institute (ITV), the University of Brasília (UnB), and the University of São Paulo (USP).

The research aligns with the guidelines of the Pará State Mining Plan 2014–2030 and seeks to promote safer, legal, and sustainable mining. The results will be used by public agencies to expand the geological database of the region and contribute to territorial planning.

Women's leadership in science

The research is part of the public call "Strengthening Research Groups Led by Women in Pará", promoted by Fapespa in partnership with the State Secretariat for Women (Semu). For the president of the Foundation, Marcel Botelho, the project is an example of the positive impact of investing in science with diversity.

"By supporting projects like this, the Government of Pará reinforces its commitment to sustainable development, the inclusion of women in science, and the strengthening of the bioeconomy. The female presence in strategic areas such as Geosciences needs to be valued, and that is what we have been doing with concrete results," highlights Botelho.

For researcher Gilmara Feio, the project also represents a symbolic achievement:

“Even today, Geosciences are marked by a male predominance. By opening space for female leadership in geological research, especially in a region where mining is so relevant, we are also promoting equality, diversity, and innovation,” she concludes.

Text: intern Alice Mendonça, under the supervision of journalist Manuela Oliveira