Amazon native people storm CVRD mining complex

A gang of around 200 native Indians armed with bows and arrows and pieces of wood attacked and seized an Amazon mining complex on Wednesday.

Brazilian iron ore giant CVRD said the indigenous Xikrin people descended on the Carajas mining complex in the northern Para state, taking over rail and road facilities, as well as control rooms and the internal radio system.

The mining company has failed to give a reason for the invasion and journalists so far have been unable to get comment from the Xikrins.

The company also accused the native people of taking 600 members of staff hostage for around two hours on Tuesday, as they had stopped company buses from leaving the site.

CVRD added that the Xikrins damaged equipment and stole personal belongings from the staff, as well as food from the cafeteria.

Meanwhile, a judge from the local court signed an injunction ordering the invaders to leave the operational units.

Additionally, CVRD announced that the Xikrins had prevented more than 5,000 employees from starting work on Wednesday morning, prompting the suspension of the industrial complex's activities for the day.

CVRD is the world's largest iron ore producer, and the Carajas mining complex is responsible for a daily production of 250,000 tons of the mineral.

In 2005, Carajas extracted 72.5 million tons of iron ore and is expected to reach up to 100 million tons in 2006.

Source: Xinhua