The destruction of the Amazon and the violation of indigenous peoples’ way of life is a serious problem. Excavators have been a key element in the expansion of illegal gold mining in indigenous territories in the Amazon, pressuring and impacting their way of life. In fact, HCE’s heavy machinery is the most used by miners, as per Greenpeace’s investigation. Therefore, it is crucial that heavy equipment manufacturers and sellers, along with the Brazilian government, work together to establish a legal, institutional, and technical system to fundamentally solve this problem and ensure the protection of the Amazon.
HCE’s announcement is a positive step towards fighting against gold mining and protecting the Amazon and indigenous lands. The company has recognized the gravity of the issue and has pledged to make efforts to protect the Amazon. HCE will stop selling its heavy machinery in the states of Amazonas, Roraima, and Pará, where the Kayapó, Munduruku, and Yanomami Indigenous Territories are located, as well as cease offering maintenance and supplying parts in the region until its efforts to strengthen its sales process and compliance system are effective in preventing its excavators from being used for illegal gold mining. HCE has also committed to terminating the contract with the BMG dealership, which has led the sales to illegal miners, and has pledged to cooperate with the Brazilian government where necessary.
Greenpeace welcomes HCE’s decision to support the protection of the Amazon and indigenous peoples’ rights. The organization hopes that HCE’s announcement will be an inflection point and can greatly help in slowing down the pace of Amazon destruction caused by illegal gold mining. Nonetheless, the fight against mining is long, and other companies need to act as well until there are no more excavators inside indigenous territories.
Philosophically speaking, this news highlights the importance of environmental protection and human rights, particularly in indigenous territories, where the destruction of the Amazon could lead to the losing of their way of life, identity, and culture. The Brazilian government and heavy equipment manufacturers and sellers need to work together towards finding a sustainable and comprehensive solution to this ongoing issue. This should not only consider the environmental and human rights implications of the illegal gold mining but also address the root causes of this illegal activity and its effects on the indigenous community. This should be done with the highest ethical standards, transparency, and respect for the dignity of human life and the environment.
In conclusion, HCE’s decision to prevent its excavators from being sold for illegal gold mining in the Amazon is a step in the right direction to protecting the environment and indigenous peoples’ rights. However, other manufacturers of hydraulic excavators must follow suit to prevent their machinery from being used in the destruction of the forest and the livelihoods of indigenous peoples. Heavy equipment manufacturers and sellers, along with the Brazilian government, should work together to establish a legal, institutional, and technical system to fundamentally solve this problem and ensure the protection of the Amazon.
<< photo by Muhammad Agung Rahayu >>