Brazil cripples illegal gold mining operations in indigenous territory

Illegal gold mining has hit epidemic proportions in the Amazon as the price of gold rises that of price mercury, which is needed to amalgamate gold, remains low. But gold mining comes with a high environmental and social cost. Gold miners cut swathes into pristine floodplain rainforest and blast river banks looking for the precious metal: the destructive evidence of which is visible from airplane. Mercury, which often ends up in the river, contaminates fish and humans. The illicit trade has also been linked to social problems, including drug trafficking, indentured labor, and forced prostitution, including of children.
http://news.mongabay.com/2012/0718-hance-gold-brazil-indigenous.html