TED Talks Daily The hidden cost of buying gold | Claudia Vega
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Oct 10, 2025 Claudia Vega, a rainforest toxicologist and TED Fellow, reveals the dark side of gold mining, highlighting the dangers of mercury pollution in the Amazon. She discusses how artisanal mining devastates local communities and ecosystems. Claudia shares her journey in establishing a mercury-testing lab, empowering indigenous populations with vital data on contamination. The conversation also touches on the motivations behind using mercury, the complexities of gold traceability, and the evolving role of local science in promoting safer practices and awareness.
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Artisanal Gold Is A Major Mercury Source
- Artisanal gold mining releases huge amounts of mercury and is a major global source of pollution.
- Around 1,400 tons of mercury per year come from artisanal gold mining and travel long distances through air and water.
Mercury Travels Far Beyond The Mine
- Mercury is used because it easily forms an amalgam with gold and evaporates when burned.
- Evaporated mercury travels long distances and accumulates in faraway ecosystems, including the Arctic.
Amazon Scars Look Like The Moon
- Mining scars in Madre de Dios look like moonscapes: deforested areas turned into ponds.
- Claudia describes vast losses: about 130,000 hectares cleared by artisanal gold mining.