Leonardo DiCaprio denounced the devastation and contamination of rivers caused by illegal gold mining in the Xingu region, during a six-day visit to Brazil dedicated to the environmental cause. The actor shared the criticism when posting on social media about the Brazilian documentary "Yanuni", of which he is a producer.
The artist stated that the illegal mining practice represents an attack on the survival of indigenous communities in the Middle Xingu. During his agenda in Brazil, he met with indigenous leader Raoni and with President Lula.
According to DiCaprio, illegal mining operations release mercury into rivers, contaminating the fish consumed by the population and the water people drink, causing lasting damage to human health. He highlighted that downstream, fish populations continue to decline and dry seasons continue to increase.