Brazil’s Mura Folks Report Threats Amid Strain to Approve Amazon Potash Mine

SAO PAULO (Reuters) – Leaders of Brazil’s Mura individuals mentioned on Friday tensions have risen within the Autazes area the place they stay after a federal company crew visited the world to debate doubtlessly demarcating their ancestral land, which overlaps with an space the place a Canadian firm needs to construct a potash mine. 

Talking at a press convention hosted by federal prosecutors within the state of Amazonas, two Mura leaders informed reporters their communities have acquired renewed threats after Funai, the federal indigenous company, visited the area in late March to begin demarcation discussions of the Soares/Urucurituba territory, the place Potassio do Brasil plans to construct the $2.5 billion venture.

Sergio, a Mura chief, mentioned false info started to flow into after Funai confirmed up, together with that the company would “take away farmers’ land.” Sergio mentioned Funai’s mission was solely to elucidate a possible future demarcation, which is a protracted course of. However the space is rife with battle, as Amazonian tribes have for many years suffered with farmers encroaching on their reservations.

A second Mura chief, Adnelson, reported threats “earlier than and after” Funai’s go to, together with a be aware left on the native indigenous council saying “somebody will endure the implications if Potassio’s mine doesn’t occur.”

Potassio do Brasil, a unit of Toronto-based Brazil Potash, has beforehand denied any coercion and mentioned it has adopted the session protocol strictly. It didn’t instantly reply to a remark request on the Mura leaders’ remarks.

Federal prosecutor Fernado Menezes mentioned ongoing court-supervised Mura consultations haven’t been “free” or “in good religion,” citing threats in opposition to the Mura because the firm started attempting to approve $2.5 billion mine venture.

The prosecutor reiterated that the Mura consultations ought to be suspended as a result of demarcation research haven’t concluded. A court docket resolution is pending concerning that request.

“When consultations began, chaos descended,” Menezes mentioned, including he has contacted state safety companies to behave on behalf of the indigenous neighborhood.

Potassio do Brasil wants three years to construct the installations for the mine and aimed to begin potash manufacturing there in 2026.

(Reporting by Ana Mano; Enhancing by Josie Kao)

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