Why Is Gold Mining Considered As Unethical Environmentally
How is gold mining considered as unethical socially and environmentally?
Ahmed Baobaid
COL - 145 - 901
Derick Singh
Ahmed Baobaid
Zayed University
Imagine what it is like to destroy the life of different species simply for a shiny precious metal, which people value. Gold is one of the most sought after commodities in the world. Its unique yellow color creates the difference with other kinds of metal. People give gold monetary and symbolic value, although it is just a tiny little rock. Cultures all over the world value this commodity. People still trade gold because it offers many uses; it could be used in industry, medicine and other fields. In addition, researches show that gold was introduced to …show more content…
Large quantities of mercury are being used in gold mining to pace the work, so many problems occur in the atmosphere, sediments, and waterways. Loss of the biodiversity and deforestation are two significant mercury impacts toward the environment. “It is estimated globally, that artisanal mining since 1998 produces 20–30% of global gold production and is responsible for one third (average of 1000 t/y) of all mercury released in the environment” (Swenson, Carter, Domec & Delgado, 2011, para. 3). As a result, many species suffer and this leads to the loss of biodiversity. Indeed, Peru represents a clear example about loss of biodiversity. “Madre de Dios Department is proclaimed by Peruvian law, to be the Capital of Biodiversity; it has the highest number of mammal, avian, and amphibian species in the continent, and is one of the most biodiverse areas in the world” (Swenson, Carter, Domec & Delgado, 2011, para. 7). This beautiful area is used for illegal miners and informal projects. It faces harmful situations and disastrous times and it is a victim of illegal gold mining. Moreover, “according to an earlier report from the Carnegie Amazon Mercury Project, Peru 's informal miners combine to release 30 tons of mercury into the country’s rivers and lakes every year” (Toor, 2013, para. 11). For that reason, many marine organisms are at the mercy of the scientists who are trying to save them from deaths and extinction. Another result for the illegal gold mining is the high rate of deforestation, which threatens the environment. The damages are going worse in next years if solutions are not provided from the government and intuitions. From all above, the illegal gold mining makes the environment suffer a lot because of the usage of mercury imports and that results in deforestation and loss of
Ahmed Baobaid
COL - 145 - 901
Derick Singh
Ahmed Baobaid
Zayed University
Imagine what it is like to destroy the life of different species simply for a shiny precious metal, which people value. Gold is one of the most sought after commodities in the world. Its unique yellow color creates the difference with other kinds of metal. People give gold monetary and symbolic value, although it is just a tiny little rock. Cultures all over the world value this commodity. People still trade gold because it offers many uses; it could be used in industry, medicine and other fields. In addition, researches show that gold was introduced to …show more content…
Large quantities of mercury are being used in gold mining to pace the work, so many problems occur in the atmosphere, sediments, and waterways. Loss of the biodiversity and deforestation are two significant mercury impacts toward the environment. “It is estimated globally, that artisanal mining since 1998 produces 20–30% of global gold production and is responsible for one third (average of 1000 t/y) of all mercury released in the environment” (Swenson, Carter, Domec & Delgado, 2011, para. 3). As a result, many species suffer and this leads to the loss of biodiversity. Indeed, Peru represents a clear example about loss of biodiversity. “Madre de Dios Department is proclaimed by Peruvian law, to be the Capital of Biodiversity; it has the highest number of mammal, avian, and amphibian species in the continent, and is one of the most biodiverse areas in the world” (Swenson, Carter, Domec & Delgado, 2011, para. 7). This beautiful area is used for illegal miners and informal projects. It faces harmful situations and disastrous times and it is a victim of illegal gold mining. Moreover, “according to an earlier report from the Carnegie Amazon Mercury Project, Peru 's informal miners combine to release 30 tons of mercury into the country’s rivers and lakes every year” (Toor, 2013, para. 11). For that reason, many marine organisms are at the mercy of the scientists who are trying to save them from deaths and extinction. Another result for the illegal gold mining is the high rate of deforestation, which threatens the environment. The damages are going worse in next years if solutions are not provided from the government and intuitions. From all above, the illegal gold mining makes the environment suffer a lot because of the usage of mercury imports and that results in deforestation and loss of