Peru's Operation Mercury stopped most illegal gold mining in one

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining is a lifeline for many who live in Madre de Dios, a region in southeastern Peru, where poverty is high and jobs are scarce. But the economic development in this part of the basin comes at a cost, as it causes deforestation, build up of sediment in rivers, and mercury contamination in nearby watersheds, threatening public health, Indigenous peoples, and the future of the biodiversity hotspot. And much of the mining activity is unauthorized.

Illegal gold mining dumps mercury in the Peruvian rainforest

Illegal mining has muddied tropical rivers worldwide, Science

Gold Mining in Countries: an overview - Aid Foundation

Gold Mined Illegally Is Becoming the Scourge of the - Bloomberg

Artisanal mining is leaving a trail of devastation - Geographical

The Pull of Peru's Gold Rush

Poison Pathways: Peru's Illicit Trade in Mercury - C4ADS

Finding Gold Mining Hotspots in Peru

Gold Mining With Mercury Poses Health Threats for Miles Downstream

Insight: rainforest gold mining is poisoning scores of

Who's to Blame for Peru's Gold-Mining Troubles?

Peru Raids Biggest Illegal Mines to Stem Gold Rush - Bloomberg