hard rock mining has resulted in metal contamination and sedimentation of waterways, posing serious health and environmental risks. It has been precipitated by relaxation of laws and regulations by governments hungry for foreign investments. Philip Hocker, president of the Mineral Policy Center ( mpc ), usa , says, "The lust for gold and minerals by corporations has created a world-wide toxic legacy."
A report by mpc shows that the damage is worse in Asia and Africa and America, where aquatic life and communities of miners have been affected. In remote areas, local governments poorly monitor mining operations.
Guyana owns five per cent of South America's largest gold mines. When a lake full of tailing failed, over 3,904 million litres of toxic cyanide containing wastes were dumped into the Essequibo river creating crises of drinking water, irrigation, fishing, transportation and crippling the seafood export market.
In Papua New Guinea, illegal dumping into a major river by the ok Tedi copper mine, flooded the agricultural land, destroyed aquatic life and displaced several local residents who depended on the river for their livelihood.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.