Brazil is using advanced science to stop illegal gold mining in the Amazon.

Scientists study gold samples to figure out where they come from. They use special machines to find bits of other materials like dirt or copper which help identify the source. Illegal gold mining accounts for nearly half of Brazil’s gold production. This mining causes harm to the environment and brings crime to the Amazon. Brazil’s president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, wants to fight back. He started a program which already helped police seize more gold in 2023 than in 2022.

Other countries like Cambodia and France are interested in Brazil’s new methods. Brazil is also open to working with other countries to improve gold tracing.

