US Edition
Peru seizes record 4-ton mercury shipment in fight against illegal gold mining
- Peruvian authorities seized a record 4-ton mercury shipment hidden in gravel-filled bags on a cargo ship bound for Bolivia, marking a turning point in efforts to dismantle the supply chains behind the Amazon's illicit gold trade.
- Mercury, a powerful neurotoxin, remains essential to the process used by illegal miners across the rainforest to extract gold from river sediment, contaminating drinking water, fish, and even breast milk in regions like Madre de Dios.
- Calls are growing to close remaining mercury mines in Mexico and reform global controls on the metal, with advocates hoping to eliminate legal loopholes that allow mercury to be traded for small-scale mining at the upcoming Minamata Convention.
33 Articles
33 Articles
Peru seizes 4 tons of black market mercury bound for illegal gold mines
Peruvian authorities have halted a shipment of about four metric tons of mercury headed to Bolivia for presumed use in illegal gold mining, they said on Thursday, the latest sign of rising black market activity to fulfill soaring demand for the precious metal.
200 tons of mercury were trafficked in 6 years for illegal mining in the Amazon. Record seizure in Peru exposes the criminal network.
Associated Press News
Peru seizes record 4-ton mercury shipment in fight against illegal gold mining
Peruvian customs officials have seized a record-breaking shipment of illegal mercury, exposing a cross-border smuggling network fueling illicit gold mining in the Amazon.
In a decided offensive against illegal mining, the Unified Pataz Command, made up of the Peruvian Armed Forces and the National Police, carried out the operation “Relampago II”, in the Marleny sector of the community of Cedros, district of Pataz. SEE MORE: Illegal mining in Pataz: They seize objects valued in S/ 800 thousandDuring the intervention, assets valued in S/27,450 were seized, used directly in illicit activities, including tools, hoses…
This business has generated, according to conservative estimates, the production of at least $8 billion in illegal gold.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 43% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
