Peru, the sixth-largest gold producer in the world, is cracking down on illegal mining of the metal. According to Mining.com, illicit gold production in the country, which usually involves the use of poisonous mercury that then leaches into the Amazon river, has increased fivefold since 2012.
-
-
Officers are targeting illegal gold mining camps in Salpo. Mariana Bazo / Reuters -
Salpo town in the Andes mountains of La Libertad are the focus of a crackdown on illegal gold mines. Mariana Bazo / Reuters -
A police officer at an illegal camp in Salpo. Mariana Bazo / Reuters -
An officer shows a stone with minerals during an operation to destroy illegal gold mining camps in Salpo. Poisonous mercury is used to extract the metal. Mariana Bazo / Reuters -
Illegal gold mining camps, like those in Salpo town in the Andes montains, have been blamed for damaging the Amazon river. Mariana Bazo / Reuters -
Illegal gold miners often use poisonous mercury to extract gold, which then leaches into the Amazon, damaging the habitat. Mariana Bazo / Reuters -
A police officer at an illegal gold mining camp in Salpo. Mariana Bazo / Reuters -
A police officer takes part in an operation to destroy illegal gold mining camps. Mariana Bazo / Reuters
Police declare war on illegal gold mines – in pictures
Most popular today
8
