Brasília – Members of four Indian groups, the Krikati, Gavião, Awa-guajá and Guajajara, have blocked the Carajás railroad in the state of Maranhão, demanding that the National Health Foundation (Fundação Nacional de Saúde) (Funasa) provide them with better healthcare.

The Carajas railroad is named after the world's largest iron ore reserve area. It is owned by the Vale do Rio Doce Company (CVRD), which is Brazil's second biggest company, after Petrobras. It is the world's fourth biggest mining company and the world's biggest exporter of iron ore. CRVD is worth an estimated US$20 billion, and owns some 9,000 kilometers of railroad tracks and ten port terminals in Brazil.

Funasa reports that it has joined forces with the National Indian Foundation (Funai) and both will be sending representatives to talk with the Indians who have taken four CRVD employees hostage besides blocking the railroad.

Funasa says it is doing everything it can to meet the Indians demands regarding healthcare.

Translation: Allen Bennett