Among the environmental problems caused by the extractive industries are ground and surface water contamination, deforestation with the consequent loss of plant coverage, soil erosion and destabilization, and sedimentation of waterways, which alters the natural functioning of watersheds (UNEP, 2010). In addition, there is the risk of accidents, such as oil spills and breaches in tailings ponds. Mercury and arsenic contamination have been one consequence of gold mining and affect sensitive areas such as the Amazon basin.