Yanomami airspace re-opened for departing miners
The Brazilian Air Force announced the partial re-opening of the airspace over the Yanomami indigenous territory, in the northern state of Roraima, to allow the coordinated and spontaneous departure of miners illegally operating in the region. The measure came into effect Monday (Feb. 6) and should last for a week.
Three air corridors have been created, agents reported. Aircraft will be allowed to fly as long as they remain within the established lateral and vertical limits.
The new rules were regulated by the Air Force by means of a Notice to Air Missions, which reports to the aviation community about the operation.
Federal intelligence and members of the indigenous movement have identified miners fleeing the territory in the last few days by land and through rivers. Since the main form of access to the territory is by air, the re-opening of flights should speed up the invaders’ departure.
The blocking of airspace over the indigenous land began early last week following a presidential decree.
Miners
Representatives from miners’ associations celebrated the measure, which favors a more peaceful resolution of the crisis. The re-opening of the airspace in the Yanomami area had been one of their requests.
“We understand the government is being sensitive to the crisis. It’s a moment of panic for thousands of miners planning to leave the area on their own accord. We made the request and did what we could to help and to prevent conflicts,” said Jailson Mesquita, coordinator of the Mining is Legal Movement.
Waterways must remain open so the miners on canoes and other vessels can also leave, he argued. “Those who stayed behind were the less fortunate, the ones who couldn’t afford it. As for this departure, we’ll see how it goes. It is an important step,” he said.
*With information from Agência Brasil reporter Alex Oliveira
