Siltation is only one part of the problem. Mercury and cyanide are
widely used by the panners to process the gold, explained EMA spokesman
Steady Kangata. When these chemicals, which are highly toxic, are
released into the water, they kill or harm a river's fish and plants and
put people at risk.
"Mercury contamination is persistent in the ecosystem as the chemical
is widely used by the gold panners," Mr Katanga said. "People get
affected after eating fish from the contaminated rivers. The symptoms
may...present as nervous breakdown and loss of hair."
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