According to surveys by the Environment Ministry, there are around 1,000 mercury-polluted gold mines throughout the country. They are also found in the neighbouring countries of Venezuela, Bolivia and French Guyana. Gold diggers draw off a mixture of mud, water and tiny gold particles from the bottom of man-made lakes and use mercury to separate the gold. Mercury-polluted water from these lakes then overflows into streams and spreads throughout the large networks of tributaries and rivers causing widespread environmental damage and physical ailments. Visual impairment, loss of hair, severe headaches, impotence and involuntary movements of arms, legs and muscles are all symptoms.
Mercury poisoning goes on for many years.
But in many of these gold mining areas and mining towns, poverty is widespread and prospectors say they have no alternative means of income. Gold is our life. Jason, married with five children, earns some 20 US dollars a week from panning for gold 16 hours a day.