Illegal gold mining: the true cost on the rainforest

Illegal gold mining, an industry that has boomed over recent years, is destroying rainforests and endangering the lives of Indigenous communities. The price of gold has risen by 40% over the last year and has fuelled the demand for illegal gold mining.

And in extremely remote areas like the Amazon rainforest, there is little enforcement to stop this destructive industry from causing harm.

Aerial image of the deforestation caused by illegal of gold mining.

Why is it so destructive?

Gold mining uses heavy machinery to rip up large chunks of land to extract gold, pumping poisonous mercury into the surrounding rivers. This mercury doesn’t just disappear, it poisons the soil, the water, and the fish.

The contamination is particularly devastating in the Amazon rainforest, where mining has wrecked vital ecosystems. As of 2020, mining activities have occurred on nearly 1/4 of Indigenous lands in the Amazon – lands that are supposed to be protected.

This destruction of rainforest is also linked to the broader climate crisis, with mining being one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions in this region.

Human impact

It’s not just the environment that suffers. People who rely on these rivers are left with serious health problems like nerve damage. And many Indigenous communities have their land stolen for mining or have to sell it under pressure. Those who speak out face violence, threats, and even death. Entire ways of life are wiped out, while criminal groups behind the mining continue to profit.

Understanding both sides

It’s important to understand that many of these miners turn to this line of work as a last resort. For example, Indigenous youth in Brazil are turning away from their roles in protecting their ancestral forests and moving toward illegal mining. This is mainly due to lack of other economic opportunities and the disintegration of traditional society.

Aerial image of the deforestation caused by illegal of gold mining.

How Cool Earth is helping

Cool Earth has been working with Indigenous rainforest communities in Peru since 2007. In that time, the threats have evolved – from illegal logging to forest fires, and now, gold mining.

Hector (name changed for safety), his wife and two young children live in a community impacted by gold mining. His family and many others like them are left struggling with food shortages and illnesses caused by the toxic water.

Hector’s community, with Cool Earth’s support, decided to build fish farming ponds to tackle this issue. By creating ponds to raise native fish species, families no longer need to rely on the poisoned river for food or income.

“We no longer have to rely on catching fish from the contaminated river,” Hector explains. “We don’t fear mercury poisoning anymore. Thanks to this project, we’re healthier and more secure.”

What Needs to Happen

Fixing the illegal gold mining crisis isn’t simple, but there are steps we can take:

• Protect Indigenous Land Rights: Stronger laws and enforcement are key to helping communities defend their land.
• Crack Down on Mining Operations: Governments need to get serious about stopping illegal miners and holding them accountable.
• Provide Better Alternatives: Projects like fish farming give people safe, sustainable ways to earn a living without destroying the rainforest.
• Cool Earth is also part of bigger conversations, like at COP16 in Cali, Colombia, where leaders and organizations are working on policies to tackle illegal mining.

Why This Matters

We cannot let illegal gold mining continue as it is. We all have a role to play in protecting rainforests and fighting for human rights. Supporting initiatives like Cool Earth, choosing ethical alternatives, and raising awareness can help make a difference. The rainforest deserves better. And so do the communities living in it. Together, we can make sure they both have a future.