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An informal gold miner adds mercury to panned material to suck the gold out of the dirt
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An informal gold miner adds mercury to panned material to suck the gold out of the dirt
An informal gold miner adds mercury to panned material to suck the gold out of the dirt at the site of Nsuaem-Top in Ghana, November 23, 2018. Picture taken November 23, 2018. To match Special Report GOLD-AFRICA/POISON REUTERS/Zohra Bensemra
Reuters photo archive features some of the most dramatic and iconic moments ever captured
Media ID 19895047
Body Part Bowl Crockery Close Up Detailed Dirty Gold Hand Hold Metal Mine Industrial Plastic Precious Metalandstones Purple Water Unrecognisable
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EDITORS COMMENTS
In this powerful and thought-provoking image, we witness the harsh reality of informal gold mining in Nsuaem-Top, Ghana. The photograph captures an anonymous gold miner as he adds mercury to the panned material, a desperate attempt to extract precious gold from the dirt. The close-up shot reveals intricate details of his dirty hand holding a plastic bowl filled with water and soil. With creative use of lighting, the purple hues accentuate the intensity and urgency surrounding this hazardous process. This snapshot serves as a stark reminder of the dangerous practices employed by these miners in their pursuit of wealth. Mercury is commonly used to bind with gold particles, forming an amalgam that can be easily separated. However, its toxic nature poses severe health risks not only for those directly involved but also for nearby communities and ecosystems. As we gaze upon this haunting image, it prompts us to reflect on the environmental consequences and human toll caused by unregulated small-scale mining operations across Africa. It urges us to question our responsibility towards sustainable resource extraction and advocate for safer alternatives that prioritize both people's well-being and environmental preservation. Photographer Zohra Bensemra skillfully captures this moment in time, shedding light on a pressing issue often overlooked or forgotten amidst discussions about economic growth and development.
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