Rio Madeira: no limite do conflito

[Purpose] The discovery of gold in the Madeira River, initially in the upper Madeira, sparked the interest of hundreds of people as a way to achieve economic self-sufficiency and earn the economic gains that would lead them to a situation at least stable. However, the conflicts for the search for the so dreamed gold are still latent in the dispute for the exploitation of this important mineral asset. In this regard, despite the definition of what is necessary to obtain permission for mining, the need for effective regulation linked to public policies is highlighted to enable the full exploitation of this mineral asset by local society. To this end, the study seeks to identify the actors that somehow influence the problem, how the activity behaved over the years, the difficulties inherent to the place and what are the normative instruments, in order to give rise to a path that seeks to solve the problem peacefully. [Methodology/approach/design] To achieve the objective of the study, bibliographic research and field study were used in function of the role performed by the author in the place. [Findings] Considering the social particularity of the region, the strategic location of the area for the Brazilian State, a path was envisioned with actions coordinated by the State, in all spheres. [Practical implications] A beginning of resolution to the issue in order to solve the latent tension between the riverine and the state. [Originality/value] If applied, the conclusions of this article may help mitigate conflicts.