that uses mercury to get the gold out of the sand. Our guide tells us they get about 6 grams a month. It is illegal to use mercury but she says the mining owners pay off the local government to turn their backs.
South America » Peru » Madre de Dios » Puerto Maldonado » Amazon Rainforest Ancient Peru was the seat of several prominent Andean civilizations, most notably that of the Incas whose empire was captured by the Spanish conquistadors in 1533. Peruvian independence was declared in 1821, and remaining Spanish forces defeated in 1... ... read more