Illegal mining in Brazil is seen by many as a scourge that pollutes the Amazon rainforest, poisons indigenous tribes and robs the nation of legitimate tax collection for the benefit of the country as a whole. But, for garimpeiros, or wildcat gold miners, it is a way of life. Garimpos, or wildcat gold mines, are in the spotlight as Brazil debates opening the Renca rainforest area to mining, which has met with stiff resistance from environmentalists. The garimpeiro in this photograph is shown in a deforested area near Crepurizao, in the municipality of Itaituba, Para State, Brazil