Dynamics of Sand Extraction in Amazonian Fluvial Systems: Geological Aspects and Environmental Impacts in the Jamari Valley, Rondônia

Abstract

Sand extraction is one of the most significant mining activities supporting the civil construction sector, forming an essential link in the infrastructure and urban development supply chain. In Brazil, this activity has considerable economic and social relevance, particularly in regions with substantial sedimentary potential, such as the Jamari Valley in the state of Rondônia. This study examines sand extraction in the region by addressing geological, productive, and environmental aspects associated with the activity. The results indicate that the Jamari Valley contains recent sedimentary formations predominantly composed of alluvial deposits, whose granulometric characteristics make them suitable for civil construction applications. However, the study also reveals significant environmental impacts arising from irregular extraction practices, including river siltation, riverbank degradation, loss of riparian vegetation, and alterations in hydrosedimentary dynamics. These impacts highlight the necessity of strengthening regulatory oversight and implementing public policies that promote sustainable extraction practices. Ensuring the sustainable use of sand resources, alongside strict adherence to environmental legislation, is crucial for maintaining the long-term viability of sand mining in the Jamari Valley.