Illegal gold mining in Nariño threatens ecosystems and water safety

Social leaders and environmental defenders warn that a proposal by Nariño Governor Luis Alfonso Escobar could boost illegal gold mining, causing irreversible damage. They cite deforestation of forests, mountains and water sources, erosion and landslides, and loss of habitats for birds, mammals, amphibians and endemic species.

They also highlight severe river contamination from mercury and other toxic chemicals used in gold extraction, which pollutes water used by local communities and farms. The contamination poses neurological, renal and developmental health risks, especially for children and pregnant women. "En Nariño, la explotación de oro puede causar graves daños a los ecosistemas del departamento…" and "Mire que uno de los mayores problemas de la minería de oro en Nariño es la contaminación de los ríos y quebradas por el uso de mercurio y otros químicos tóxicos" were quoted by leaders Edgar Casanova and Jorge Castro.