Why is Artisanal Gold Mining Dangerous?

When people think of gold mining, they may likely remember quaint images of people panning for gold sediment by a flowing river, similar to what American settlers did in California during the mid-19th century. Gold mining methods have advanced considerably since then, and even in smaller operations that cannot afford large machinery, amateurs have turned to cheap chemical compounds to help them isolate gold from other minerals. These methods, known as artisanal gold mining, can pose dangers to both miners and the environment, depending on what chemical compounds are used. Among the most common substances is mercury.
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