Earthworks-Oxfam: Golden Rules For Responsible Mining

Around the world, large-scale metals mining
takes an enormous toll on the health of the
environment and communities. Gold mining,
in particular, is one of the dirtiest industries
in the world. Massive open-pit mines,
some measuring as much as two miles
(3.2 kilometers) across, generate staggering
quantities of waste—an average of 76 tons
for every ounce of gold.
http://www.nodirtygold.org/pubs/GoldenRules_FINAL.pdf