Two years of gold mining devastates Peruvian peatlands, outpacing damage of the last 30 years

Gold Mining Is Triggering Carbon Chaos In The Amazon Rainforest Of Peru

The world's hunger for gold is fueling the destruction of the carbon-storing peatlands in southern Peru.

Reports about the presence of dredges used for illegal mining in the Nanay River basin in the Loreto region of Peru are not encouraging. “The number of dredges is increasing,” says Sidney Novoa, director of GIS and Conservation Technology at the Amazon Conservation organization. “They are even moving towards […]

Two years of gold mining devastates Peruvian peatlands, outpacing damage of the last 30 years

New research published in the journal Environmental Research Letters reveals that artisan gold mining in the southern Peruvian Amazon has caused more destruction to carbon-rich peatlands in the past two years than in the previous three decades combined, posing a serious threat to the environment and climate.

Gold mining in the Peruvian Amazon has done more damage to peatlands in the last two years than in the previous three decades  - IOP Publishing

New research published in the academic journal Environmental Research Letters reveals that artisan gold mining in the southern Peruvian Amazon has caused more destruction to carbon-rich peatlands in the past two years than in the previous three decades combined, posing a serious threat to the environment and climate.    For decades, small-scale gold mining has thrived along the rivers of the Madre de Dios region, driven by gold frequently found …