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Serra dos Carajás
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Iron mine, Pará state, Brazil Satellite image of Carajás mining area, 1986Deforestation is evident in Brazil's Carajás region in the state of Pará, by comparing images from 1986 and 1992. Cleared land appears bluish green. Satellite image of Carajás mining area, 1992, showing extensive land clearance in zones that were forested in 1986. Cleared land appears bluish green.
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Serra dos Carajás

mountains, Brazil
Also known as: Carajás Mountains
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Iron mine, Pará state, Brazil
Iron mine, Pará state, Brazil Large iron mine in the Serra dos Carajás, Pará state, Brazil.

The Serra dos Carajás is a mountain range in Brazil known for its rich mineral deposits. It is one of the world's largest and most valuable sources of iron ore, and also yields gold, copper, nickel, manganese, tin, and bauxite. The exploitation of these resources, primarily by the company Vale, has been profitable but has also caused significant environmental damage. For example, mercury used in gold extraction has contaminated rivers and fish, posing health risks to local populations. The region's energy needs are met by the Tucuruí hydroelectric plant on the Tocantins River.1

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4 Britannica Sources
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  2. Serra do Mar
  3. Amazon River - Agriculture and forestry
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