In the heart of the Sahara Desert lies Mauritania, the last country to witness a gold rush. The discovery of gold has sparked the dreams of thousands of people who want to get rich quickly. However, the gold mining industry is not for the faint-hearted, as it poses a great danger to both human health and the environment.
To extract the gold, the miners have to dig deep into the sand, which is a perilous task. To make matters worse, they use mercury, a highly toxic metal, to separate the gold from the sand. Despite the risks, the lure of the precious metal is too great for the gold miners, who are competing with each other to find more gold.
In a relatively short period of time, an entire mining settlement has sprung up on the desert sand. The gold rush has seen people from different parts of the world flock to Mauritania in search of quick riches. As a result, new businesses like restaurants, bars, and hotels have emerged to cater to the growing population.
But the impact of gold mining on the environment cannot be ignored. The mining activities have disrupted the local ecosystems and caused damage to the landscape. The mining waste has also polluted the water sources, making it unfit for human consumption.
Despite the challenges, the allure of gold continues to draw people to the desert in search of a better life. While the potential rewards can be high, the hazards associated with the mining industry can’t be ignored. In the end, it’s up to every individual to make the right choice concerning their health and well-being.