Searching For Gold In The Highlands Of Guatemala

Gold mining poses severe environmental risks stemming from the use of cyanide and the potential release of heavy metals into ground and surface water. While the economic benefits of the mine are flowing largely to far-away shareholders, the risks are borne by local communities. As we document in the GDAE report, four independent studies have found evidence of heavy metals contamination, including arsenic leaking into groundwater. Heavy metals are extremely toxic to humans and other living beings—and they can remain in the environment for generations.
http://goldcorpoutnews.wordpress.com/2012/02/01/searching-for-gold-in-the-highlands-of-guatemala/