Gold deposits in the Guianas are associated with the Greenstone Belt, an ancient metamorphic rock formation that cuts through the Guianas from east to west. They have attracted both local and foreign interests most of which are small to medium scale operations (about 3000 to 4000 units). Many of these operations are legal in Guyana, while in Suriname most of them are illegal, exploiting gold on exploration permits.
In general, they are poorly managed, creating extensive damage to the natural environment with significant negative ecological, biological, physical and health impacts. Worldwide an estimated 3400 tons of mercury is released annually into the environment due to unsound goldmining practices, threatening the health of the various ecosystems, as well as the livelihood and the health of local communities in the interior.
http://www.wwfguianas.org/our_work/goldmining/
No comments:
Post a Comment