Carnaíba mining district
Pindobaçu, Bahia, Brazil
Key Information
Do not enter mining areas without proper authorization.
Carnaíba mining district in Pindobaçu, Bahia, Brazil, is famous for its extensive emerald deposits, discovered in the 1960s.
It is located in the northern part of Bahia, part of the Serra da Carnaíba mountain range, with a semi-arid climate.
The area produces emeralds, beryl, alexandrite, and other minerals, with significant finds like a 360 kg emerald in 2017.
Mining involves small-scale methods by garimpeiros, organized by the Mineral Cooperative of Bahia, with over 200 mines.
The local culture is shaped by emerald mining, with influences from Afro-Brazilian heritage and the region’s natural features.
Geographic Location
The Carnaíba mining district is in Pindobaçu, a town in northern Bahia, Brazil, at approximately 10°44’38”S latitude and 40°22’04”W longitude. It lies in the central-north region of Bahia, within the micro-region of Senhor do Bonfim, and is part of the Serra da Carnaíba mountain range, extending into Campo Formoso. The area has a semi-arid climate, surrounded by towns like Campo Formoso and Mirangaba.
Minerals and Mining
Carnaíba is renowned for its emeralds, with notable discoveries including the largest cut emerald (86,136 carats) found in 2001 and a 360 kg rough emerald in 2017. Other minerals include beryl, alexandrite (a variety of chrysoberyl), scheelite, apatite, muscovite, and quartz. Mining started in the 1960s, led by small-scale miners (garimpeiros), and is organized by the Mineral Cooperative of Bahia, with over 200 mines operating, mainly using manual extraction techniques.
Geological and Cultural Context
The district’s geology features mica schists and gneiss from the Neoproterozoic era, with emerald deposits around a granite batholith. Pindobaçu, known as the “emerald capital of the world,” has a culture influenced by mining, with a name meaning “big palm tree” in Tupi Guarani, reflecting local babassu palm trees. The town’s Afro-Brazilian heritage, from Bahia’s slave trade history, likely includes music and dance, though specific local festivals are less documented.
Climate and Ecology
The climate is semi-arid, with temperatures ranging from 66°F to 91°F and low rainfall. Ecology includes drought-resistant plants like cacti and babassu palms, with the Serra da Carnaíba mountain range adding diversity. While climate doesn’t directly form minerals, it affects mining operations, with dry conditions aiding certain seasons but posing water scarcity challenges.