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Illegal gold mining remains rampant in the Amazon rainforest despite government efforts to curb it, reveals new analyses of satellite data from 2023 to 2024. According to the report by Greenpeace Brazil, national action to combat this destructive activity is not delivering a decrease, but rather a shift in the Indigenous territories affected. While mining activities reduced in Yanomami, Munduruku and Kayapó land (down 7%, 57% and 31%), Sararé land saw a dramatic surge, with illegal mining up by 93%.
Researchers also uncovered discrepancies in gold trade data. According to the investigation, Swiss imports exceeded Brazil’s reported exports by 67% in 2022 and 62% in 2023 – suggesting significant irregularities. in 2024, the top three destinations for Brazilian gold exports were Canada, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom – major international hubs for refining and trade.
Lula’s predecessor, far-right President Jair Bolsonaro deliberately weakened environmental controls in the Amazon. This triggered an explosion in exploration between 2018 and 2022, with a staggering 265% increase in illegal gold mining on Indigenous lands.[4] Since 2023, the current Brazilian government has intensified security and monitoring efforts in key areas. But Greenpeace Brazil’s research shows that illegal mining continues to adapt and spread across the forest – underscoring the urgent need for sustained, long-term strategies.
The Brazilian Supreme Federal Court recently ruled to close a legal loophole that had allowed buyers to accept gold without proving its origin, enabling illegal mining—often in Indigenous territories – to flourish unchecked. Gold buyers must now verify the legality of their purchases, and the government is required to enforce stricter oversight.
The B.C. government has released a report on its progress protecting old-growth forests, but some First Nations and environmental groups say the plan released Friday falls short.
The report comes three years after the B.C. government committed to policies to conserve old-growth trees, and includes updated timelines on protections for old growth. Now, environmental groups are urging the government to accelerate its protections and issue emergency logging bans in old-growth forests.
Paper Excellence will not have its FSC status revoked after FSC International conducted a “corporate group review” of allegations that it had deep operational and ownership ties to Asia Pulp & Paper (APP).
In November, Wood Central reported that Paper Excellence – which has 40 mills across Canada and the US – was the subject of an investigation after Greenpeace raised concerns about the company’s ties to APP.
At the time, Greenpeace said it had a “preponderance of evidence” that shows Paper Excellence is part of the same business structure as Asia Pulp & Paper, claiming “they’re both controlled by the same corporate parent, Jakarta-based Sinar Mas.”
Sanctioned Russian birch plywood worth an estimated €40 million has been seized at Rostock Port in Germany. The ship was en route to the United States, but stopped in Germany for an emergency. The Canadian-owned shipping firm argue that the vessel’s cargo should be exempt, because it only docked in Germany due to an emergency. German Customs have rejected that argument. The wood may be linked to a Russian timber giant Sveza, which is part-owned by Alexei Mordashov, Russia’s richest man and a subject of EU and US sanctions.
Also reported here:
€40M of Conflict Timber Seized: How the US $2B Log Trade Fuels War | Wood Central
The global extraction of raw materials is expected to increase by 60% by 2060. The stripping of Earth’s natural materials is already responsible for 60% of global heating impacts, including land use change, 40% of air pollution impact, and more than 90% of global water stress and land-related biodiversity loss, says the report, due to be released in February.
A 24-month project is being administered by the CEC – a joint initiative of the US, Canadian and Mexican governments – to “increase understanding and awareness of wood products; helping consumers support SFM (or Sustainable Forest Management) and contribute to the fight against illegal logging through their purchase power.”
New satellite analysis from Stand.earth Research Group reveals that logging of old growth candidate deferral areas is more than 50 per cent higher than figures reported by the British Columbia government.
Investigations by ICIJ partners and others have previously linked Paper Excellence to Asia Pulp & Paper, a Chinese-Indonesian forestry company accused of deforestation and human rights abuses.
River red gum forests in northern Victoria are being stripped of old growth by organised criminal groups
Authorities are alarmed by the increasing rates of timber theft around Shepparton
An enforcement officer says it is lucky no one has died during the highly dangerous, illegal operations
The International Consortium of Investigative Journalistts and partners uncovered hidden links between Canada’s Paper Excellence and troubled Indonesian company Asia Pulp & Paper.
Lawmakers in Canada are calling for an investigation into one of North America’s largest pulp and paper manufacturers, following revelations in Deforestation Inc., a cross-border investigation led by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists.
The parliamentarians said they are seeking answers into who is behind Paper Excellence, a company headquartered in British Columbia, after journalists revealed extensive links between the company and entities in Indonesia and China.
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