Gold Miners in Venezuela Expose Themselves to Risks During Gold Mining

Perils of Gold Mining: The Environmental and Human Toll in Venezuela

Perils of Gold Mining: The Environmental and Human Toll in Venezuela

It's extremely tough work for these gold miners, but many Venezuelans hope to benefit from the country's natural resources and extract significant amounts of gold from the rock layers.

1. Rights Groups Call for Protection of Gold Mining Workers:
2. Use of Toxic Substances During Gold Mining:
3. Toxic Substances Pollute Soil and Waterways:

1.Rights Groups Call for Protection of Gold Mining Workers:

However, human rights advocates say that the mining industry in Venezuela has spiraled out of control with many individuals. Illegal minds exploit workers and put them in danger. Most mining operations they undertake in Venezuela and in Bolívar are characterized by chaos.

2.Use of Toxic Substances During Gold Mining:

These small-scale miners use mercury, where they lose 80 percent of the gold. Supporters say exposure to mercury is just one hazard, as dynamite is used to access gold, and miners work in hot conditions with limited safety equipment.

3.Toxic Substances Pollute Soil and Waterways:

 Gold Miners in Venezuela Expose Themselves to Risks During Gold Mining

Mercury and other heavy metals used in gold mining are considered pollutants for a variety of environmental habitats in Venezuela, from waterways like rivers and streams to water beds near gold mining areas, in addition to soil pollution, rendering it toxic and unsuitable for agriculture.

The Source of the News: Al Jazeera Documentary