- History of mining in Peru Mining in Peru kicked off in the late 1800’s. The first boom, or “gold rush”, occurred between 1930 and 1960. The miners were mostly locals from Madre de Dios, although some people came from other parts of the country.
- Mercury levels extremely high in areas of gold mining Since 2009 researchers from Stanford University, working hand in hand with the Peruvian government and various Peruvian universities and NGO’s, have been studying the levels and effects of mercury in fish and people in the Puerto Maldonado, in the Amazon region of Peru, where artisanal gold mining is rife.
- Photos: Illegal gold mining in Peru Photos from the harsh working conditions in the gold mines of Peru.
- Corruption plays major role in the illegal mining of gold Corrupt Peruvian officials have stolen over $800 million in public money over the last five years, said Peru’s Controller General, Fuad Khoury. Khoury was speaking at an International Conference on Corruption in Lima in February.
- Gerry and Armando: Team Chicken Unite! Armando and I don’t like to take risks. We don’t put ourselves in danger’s way. On reporting trips we sniff out that line and we respect it. I have a partner and young kids. And a big yellow line running down my spine.
