These hard-hitting photos show a glimpse into the lives of gold miners in south-east Peru. Miners work 28 hours shifts for minimum wage, are slowly poisoned by the mercury used to bind gold flecks and chew on a mild herbal stimulant that is the basis of cocaine in order to stay awake. The mining also destroys the surrounding tropical forests and the government loses approximately $305 million in taxes every year.
Peru has sent 1,000 police into its southeastern jungles to dismantle illegal gold-mining camps, just weeks before the country hosts global climate talks.
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