Gold Rally Fuels Global Spike in Illegal Mining – WGC Warns

Rising gold prices are driving a surge in unregulated mining, spreading pollution and empowering criminal networks.

The World Gold Council (WGC) reveals that the ongoing gold rally is pushing artisanal and illegal miners worldwide to expand operations — causing environmental destruction and strengthening organized crime groups.

Illegal & small-scale mining now estimated to supply up to 30% of global gold output.

Widespread use of mercury is contaminating rivers, soil, and communities.

Criminal networks increasingly profit from illegal mining zones, using gold as a revenue stream.

The WGC says formalized, legal processing centers are critical to reducing mercury use and disconnecting illegal miners from criminal supply chains.

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