PRF seizes 2.5 tons of cassiterite illegally transported on BR-421, in Ariquemes Reproduction/Federal Highway Police (PRF) The Federal Highway Police (PRF) arrested a man suspected of illegally transporting around 2.5 tons of cassiterite on BR-421, in Ariquemes (RO), at the beginning of this week. The ore, known as "black gold", was seized during the action. According to the PRF, the seizure occurred during the inspection of a truck that was pulling a semi-trailer. During the approach, the police found a large amount of cassiterite in the body of the vehicle. According to the agents, the driver, whose identity was not revealed, did not present documents proving the origin of the ore or authorization to transport the cargo. Given the irregularity, he was arrested red-handed. The suspect may face charges of usurpation of Union assets, illegal extraction of mineral resources, environmental crime and omission of tax documents. He and the seized material were sent to the Ariquemes Civil Police Station. See the trending videos on g1: Now on g1 What is cassiterite? Cassiterite is the main ore used in the production of tin, a metal used in the manufacture of various everyday products, such as food cans, automotive parts, glass and electronic equipment, including cell phones and computers. After being extracted from nature, cassiterite goes through processing stages until it is transformed into a mineral concentrate that can be sold or used in the production of tin. Due to its high market value and high industry demand, cassiterite is often the target of illegal exploitation. Therefore, inspection operations have been intensified in the Amazon region to combat the transport and clandestine extraction of ore. PRF seizes 2.5 tons of cassiterite illegally transported on BR-421, in Ariquemes Reproduction/Federal Highway Police (PRF) Raw Cassiterite JN