Gold rush, mercury legacy: Small-scale mining for gold has produced long-lasting toxic pollution, from 1860s California to modern Peru

Small-scale gold mining operations in developing countries are major sources of toxic mercury pollution, using techniques that haven't changed much since the California Gold Rush 150 years ago.

Jasmine Parham, Ph.D. Student in Biology, Duke University • conversation
May 28, 2020 • ~10 min

Mine waste dams threaten the environment, even when they don't fail

Dams built to hold enormous quantities of toxic mining waste have a long history of spills. Decisions in the Pacific Northwest threaten three free-flowing rivers there.

Julian D. Olden, Professor of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington • conversation
Feb. 24, 2020 • ~9 min

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