Indigenous protesters in Brazil have occupied a major shipping terminal operated by US agribusiness giant Cargill in the Amazon region, sharply disrupting operations and highlighting deep opposition to plans for dredging local rivers to expand export infrastructure.
The demonstrators took control of Cargill’s Santarem river port terminal in Pará state, forcing staff to evacuate late last week and bringing shipments of soybeans, corn and other grains to a halt. The move marks a significant escalation after weeks of truck blockades at the site by Indigenous groups.
Protest leaders say their action is aimed at pressuring the Brazilian government to reconsider a controversial decree they argue would open up Amazon waterways — including the Tapajós River — to dredging and increased industrial navigation. They fear that such projects would damage fragile ecosystems, degrade water quality, and undermine traditional ways of life for Indigenous communities that depend on the rivers for fishing and cultural practices.
In statements and letters released after the occupation, activists condemned plans to prioritise export infrastructure over environmental and community rights, asserting that “rivers are not export channels” and should remain protected.
Cargill acknowledged the occupation and said it was working with local authorities to secure an orderly response, while noting it has no control over government dredging policies. Brazilian authorities have yet to issue a definitive public response, though earlier this month dredging activities on parts of the Tapajós were suspended after similar protests.
The terminal’s shutdown comes during the crucial soybean harvest season and could have ripple effects for Brazil’s agricultural export sector, which relies heavily on river ports and inland waterways to move crops to global markets.
