Gold mining fuels agricultural loss and malaria in China, Guyana, Brazil

China, holding the world’s largest natural gold reserves—over 2,000 metric tons—faces extensive agricultural land loss as mining expands into farming regions, affecting water resources, soil health and regional economies.

In Guyana, annual gold production of more than 600,000 ounces impacts over 30% of the country’s agricultural land, causing soil erosion, biodiversity loss and challenges to food security for rural communities.

Illegal gold mining in Brazil’s Yanomami Indigenous territory has triggered a severe malaria crisis. Researchers found that even a 0.03% increase in mining activity can raise malaria cases by 20‑46%, with infections tripling between 2016 and 2023. By early 2023, roughly 20,000 illegal miners were present, prompting a humanitarian emergency declaration.