[QODLink]
Americas
Colombian cocaine farmers turn to gold-mining
Farmers leave laborious jobs for more lucrative but often dangerous illegal gold-mining.
Last Modified: 18 Nov 2011 20:56

Cocaine farmers in Colombia are leaving the drug business and moving into illegal gold-mining.  

Authorities have shut down scores of mines in the northwestern province of Cordoba in a crackdown on illegal mining that started in September. About 400 police took part in the sweep.

Communities near the unregulated mines suffer from the "improper use of mercury and other contaminating substances" found in soil and bodies of water, officials said.

Al Jazeera's Monica Villamizar reports from Norosi.
Source:
Al Jazeera
Topics in this article
People
Country
City
Featured on Al Jazeera
The story of Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood and its emergence into the political arena after decades of suppression.
People & Power goes undercover to reveal how 'voluntourism' could be fuelling the exploitation of Cambodian children.
Facebook's now-public status may encourage its board and policy staff to respond to privacy, free expression concerns.
Two prominent figures in the American establishment break away from the mould and chastise the GOP - but is it enough?
Spotlight
Egypt's Choice
Latest news and analysis as Egyptians elect first new president in post-Mubarak political era.
Iran Tensions
In-depth coverage of an escalating regional debate about Iran's geopolitical power and the West.
Syria: The War Within
Violence continues as UN observers are deployed to monitor both sides' compliance with a peace plan.
join our mailing list

Enter Zip Code
Go