Why gold mining is dangerous?
Gold mining involves working in underground or open-pit mines, which exposes workers to various occupational hazards.
These hazards include cave-ins, rock falls, and accidents with heavy machinery, leading to injuries or fatalities.
The extraction and processing of gold often involve the use of toxic chemicals like mercury and cyanide.
Miners and nearby communities can be exposed to these hazardous substances, leading to long-term health issues such as respiratory problems, neurological disorders, and organ damage.
Working in underground mines poses specific dangers, such as poor ventilation, high temperatures, and the presence of harmful gases like methane.
These conditions can cause asphyxiation, heat exhaustion, or explosions, putting miners at great risk.
Abandoned or poorly maintained mines can have unstable structures, increasing the risk of collapses and trapping miners inside.
Unsafe conditions in aging mines can lead to accidents, especially in areas with inadequate safety regulations and inspections.
Gold mining can have significant environmental consequences.
The use of mercury and cyanide can contaminate water sources, harming ecosystems and endangering the health of wildlife and nearby communities.
Mining operations may also result in deforestation, habitat destruction, and soil erosion, impacting biodiversity and ecological balance.
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