Satellite images show that the interruption of gold mining immediately changed the color of the river. Operators of dredges, which can cost up to US$1.4 million, said they planned to return to the area after the government anti-mining operation ended.
Tag: gold
From mining to fish: how mercury contaminates the Munduruku Indigenous community
Carnivorous fish are among the most consumed by the Munduruku and the most contaminated by mercury. Scientists suspect the toxic metal, found in the bodies of the members of this indigenous community is seriously affecting the health of adults and children who are born with malformations and developmental delays. Munduruku women already avoid getting pregnant.
New study suggests that mercury contamination is widespread among residents of the Amazon
Although living 186 miles away from the area along the Tapajós River where illegal mining is concentrated, Santarém’s inhabitants are at high risk of mercury poisoning.
MAAP: New gold mining border in Amazonas region, Peru
Satellite images confirm that mining is causing deforestation along river Santiago, entering the forests of the region.
Illegal gold mining penetrates deeper into Tambopata National Reserve, Peru
MAAP shows two additional types of satellites imagery (due to lack of new high-resolution image) indicating that the illegal gold mining deforestation continues to penetrate deeper into the Reserve.
Interactive map: Know illegal gold routes in South America
Ojo Público and the Peruvian Society for Environmental Law (SPDA) toured the main centers of illegal gold production in Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, Brazil and Ecuador. See the map
Mercury fish: gold mining puts downstream communities at risk in Peru
Pregnant mothers, children, and even adults could face health problems from gold mining pollution in Amazonian Peru