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Subscribe to RSSWith gold prices soaring, illegal miners in Venezuela are creating a jungle-based gold rush. On the other side of the world, Mongolians whose herds are succumbing to environmental challenges are turning to illegal gold mining as a financial last resort. See their story here.
Carlos Garcia Rawlins / Reuters
An aerial view of the environmental damage caused by illegal mining at the Canaima National Park in southern Bolivar state June 17, 2010. Venezuela's army has evicted thousands from makeshift towns in one of the world's most pristine jungles, where wildcat miners tempted by high gold prices rip down trees and blast mercury into mud. An official said they have stopped one ton of gold from being produced monthly. Picture taken June 17.
Carlos Garcia Rawlins / Reuters
A Venezuelan soldier stands guard in "El triunfo", an evacuated illegal mining camp controlled by the army, at Canaima National Park in southern Bolivar State June 17. Venezuela's army has evicted thousands from makeshift towns in the jungle.
Carlos Garcia Rawlins / Reuters
An aerial view of an illegal mining camp evacuated and destroyed by the Venezuelan army.
Carlos Garcia Rawlins / Reuters
An aerial view of the environmental damage caused by illegal mining at the Canaima National Park/
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I visited Venezuela. Such an unhappy place. At least the little town I went to. Just crossing the border was an adventure.
Meredith, this is a good story.
I'd like to know more about this. How long does it take to do this damage? How many people are involved in a typical camp? Are there less impactful, legal means to mine the gold?
Keep up the good work. Ribbit.