Gold mining critically impairs water quality in rivers across

A Dartmouth study finds that artisanal-scale gold mining is altering water clarity and dynamics in the Madre de Dios River watershed in Peru, a tropical biodiversity hotspot. Higher levels of suspended sediment were found in rivers near the mining sites, with increasing impacts as mining has become more widespread in the past two decades. The elevated sediment levels contain mercury and other contaminants, which can pose health risks to humans and have a detrimental impact on fish populations and other aquatic life. The findings are published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Water Pollution – Coyote Gulch

Restoring Balance - Center for American Progress

Storing Water for the Environment - Public Policy Institute of California

How Gold Mining Can Affect Water Quality » OHA

Gold mining critically impairs water quality in rivers across Peruvian biodiversity hotspot

Illegal mining has muddied tropical rivers worldwide, Science

Illegal gold mining continues to harm ecosystem

Big Mill Creek Restoration, East Fork Scott River

Surge in global metal mining threatens vulnerable ecosystems - ScienceDirect