Mercury pollution is a worldwide problem associated with mining activities, with profound effects on human health and the environment. Recent advances have demonstrated a causal relationship between exposure to mercury and several human pathologies. The Yanomami near the mine on the Uraricoera River are contaminated with mercury, a metal with bioaccumulative properties. The aim of this study was to review the literature on mercury and river pollution in Yanomami lands. The use of mercury for gold mining in indigenous lands in the Amazon is done clandestinely and has socio-environmental impacts. Traditional Amazonian peoples, including indigenous and riverine peoples, have been affected by deforestation and mercury pollution of rivers and fish. Use of mercury for gold mining on indigenous lands in the Amazon is confidential and causes socio-environmental impacts. The Yanomami are under attack and need to look into these issues.