Gold: Expensive, in Demand, and Polluting?
The use of mercury in small-scale mining, particularly in South America, Asia, and Africa, has harmful health consequences for up to 100 million people.
TL;DR
- Artisanal gold mining is the primary global source of mercury pollution, affecting up to 100 million people.
- Mercury used in small-scale mining contaminates water, soil, and the food chain, posing health risks.
- Industrial gold mining utilizes cyanide in closed-loop systems with stringent regulations, claiming no environmental discharge.
- While modern industrial mines follow strict pollution controls, historical practices were less regulated.
- The PlanetGOLD program aims to end the toxic trail of small-scale gold mining by raising awareness and promoting mercury-free techniques.
- Gold's value is driven by its consistent demand as a safe haven asset and the fact that historically extracted gold remains in circulation.