For the past several decades, French Guiana has been the victim of illegal gold mining practices. The
use of environmentally unsafe processes, particularly excessive mercury
use, is a veritable catastrophe with regards to the environment (e.g.,
contaminated water and soil), public health (e.g., cardiovascular
problems) and society (e.g., violence stemming from illegal miners). Practically
inexistent oversight by the local authorities has continued, despite
numerous warnings through civil petitions and a 2001 complaint lodged
with the regional court of Cayenne.
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