Mining not only destroys tropical forests, but also causes the release of mercury filled sediment into rivers leading to severe effects on aquatic life. This mercury pollution has been reported as a consequence on several occasions. [33] Illegal and small gold mining operations are responsible for an estimated "30 tons of toxic metal in rivers and lakes in the Amazon region every year" and native communities have often been poisoned with it severely. [34]
As reported by the Guardian, "Native communities had levels of mercury roughly five times that considered safe by the World Health Organisation (WHO)".
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