Small-scale gold mining operations involves the use of mercury to separate gold from grit. When the toxic metal is released into the soil or bodies of water, it can enter the food chain and lead to health problems for local and indigenous communities, as Reuters noted.
“Illegal mining can kill us,” Agustin Ojeda, an indigenous leader of Venezuela’s Shirian people, said in the RAISG report.
“The mining wells allow for the reproduction of mosquitoes that bring diseases, such as malaria. The effect of mercury on water isn’t taken seriously either. It not only contaminates water but also the fish we eat,” he explained.
No comments:
Post a Comment