MINING AND INDIGENOUS RIGHTS IN BRAZIL: A JURISPRUDENTIAL ANALYSIS OF THE FEDERAL REGIONAL COURT OF THE 1ST REGION ON THE RIGHTS OF THE MURA PEOPLE IN AUTAZES, AMAZONAS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66104/xnyss787Keywords:
Mining; Indigenous rights; Traditionally occupied lands; Federal jurisprudence; Amazon.Abstract
This article examines the legal reasoning adopted by the 6th Panel of the Federal Regional Court of the 1st Region (TRF1) and its practical effects based on rulings issued in four interlocutory appeals filed against a preliminary decision in Public Civil Action No. 0019192-92.2016.4.01.3200. The first-instance decision had suspended the environmental licensing of the Potássio Autazes Project, recognized IBAMA as the competent authority, and required prior consultation with the Mura Indigenous communities in accordance with constitutional and international standards. The appellate rulings fully reversed this decision, establishing that the recognition of traditionally occupied lands depends on prior formal administrative demarcation, adopting a restrictive interpretation of Article 231 of the Brazilian Constitution. The research is developed through a qualitative approach, using a deductive-critical method to examine the legal grounds invoked by the court and their implications for the protection of Indigenous territorial rights in the Amazon. The findings indicate the consolidation of a formalistic judicial approach that conditions the effectiveness of constitutional rights on state action in demarcation procedures, with significant impacts on Indigenous self-determination and the protection of their traditional territories.
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