Peru first criminalized unlicensed gold mining in 2012 but only began
enforcing the law vigorously this year with serious manpower and
explosives. The operations have displaced thousands of the estimated
40,000 people who authorities say moved to the jungle to mine gold.
In addition to contributing to deforestation, which scientists
blame for between 12 and 15 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions,
the illegal alluvial gold mining contaminates the jungle with tons of
mercury.
Mercury is a toxin and has already contaminated the food chain, including fish, the local population's main protein source.
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2014/11/19/5326233/peru-attacks-illegal-mining-ahead.html#.VGyNvcmOKP8
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