“The treacherous metal”
The value of gold has been rising and has resulted in an increase in illegal mining in the Amazon. This illegal mining has resulted in a massive pollution of mercury in the Amazon River and is threatening Indigenous communities and the environment.
Destruction of illegal gold mining dredges
In response to the growing illegal mining activity, three weeks ago, Colombia, Brazil, and the United States joined forces to destroy 19 illegal gold mining dredges in the Amazon Rainforest. The illegal dredges were found to be producing about $1.9 million Canadian dollars worth of gold. These dredges are used to scoop mud from riverbeds, and the miners mix the mud with liquid mercury to extract the gold particles. However, authorities discovered that the Familia del Norte criminal group was dumping a whopping 114,000 grams of mercury into the river water every month while mining gold. This is an enormous threat to the Amazon River and its surrounding environment.
Illegal mining intensified during the pandemic
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, illegal mining has intensified, leading to the pollution of the Amazon River by mercury. This contamination has had severe and long-term effects on the health and culture of the communities depending on the river. Mercury poisoning is known to have adverse effects on the nervous system, and studies have suggested that it might also pose risks to the cardiovascular and immune systems. The effects of mercury poisoning lead to a diminished quality of life in affected communities.
Significance of gold mining agreements
The destruction of the illegal gold mining dredges by the international coalition was a significant step in the right direction, however, it is only a minor dent in the overall problem. This is because illegal mining methods are highly profitable and quite cost-effective. Experts argue that the cost of a single dredge can be recovered within a week of mining activities. With this in mind, it is clear that further action is needed to put an end to these illegal mining activities that threaten the Amazon.
Environmental and societal consequences
Indigenous communities in the Amazon have suffered culturally and environmentally from the illegal mining activities. Not only do they face tremendous health risks due to mercury poisoning, but the environment itself is in peril. The pollution of the Amazon River which is relied upon by countless communities for water and fish, continues to pose grave dangers, now that the mercury pollutes the fish that are commonly consumed.
Thought-provoking conclusion
The issue of illegal gold mining is not just a regional issue but an international one that must be resolved. The consequences of this activity are not only terrible for the immediate environment and communities, but also have long-lasting effects that ripple far beyond the specific regions where this mining occurs. It is crucial that further concerted actions be taken by governments and international organizations to address this grave concern in the Amazon and other parts of the world where such illegal activities endanger the people and the environment.
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