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Pollution: The use of highly toxic mercury to separate gold from ore is illegal because it remains in the environment for a long time, cycling between the air and soil. Photo: Delwyn Verasamy
CYANIDE

Illegal mining: High risks to environment, infrastructure

The effect of illegal mining includes sabotaged pipelines that contaminate the environment, illegal water usage, sinkholes, underground fires and explosions

  • Sheree Bega
6 min read