The glamour of gold leaves a trail of mercury and lead that poisons miners and residents of African countries. Ashima Sharma reports on the toxic legacy of mines in Africa.

In the village of Rosh Pinah, southern Namibia, 30 children carried lead in their blood. A report on these 30 children detailed chronic lead exposure relating to a nearby mine, but for three years, this report remained out of the public eye. 

Kurt Dausab, a former doctor at the mine, told the media that in-house doctor Johan Truter confirmed lead exposure in the village. He recommended that the company, Trevali Mining Corp, inform the Ministry of Health and Social Services. He was then terminated from the job. 

Read more: mining-technology.com

Photo: mining-technology.com