Deep dive: Mercury’s tantalizing promise of endless gold in South America

This podcast episode explores the issue of mercury pollution in gold mining, with a focus on South America. It highlights the harmful cycle of mercury in the environment and its impact on human health. The episode delves into the history of mercury use and the tragic consequences it has had. Despite efforts to ban mercury, the black market for its use persists, leading to increased health risks and financial losses for miners. The episode also discusses the devastating impact of mercury on gold mining communities and the challenges of reforestation in the Amazon. Overall, the episode provides a comprehensive overview of the problem of mercury pollution in gold mining and the need for solutions.