Gold, Lead and Death in Nigeria

Alexandria, VA - Throughout the Zamfara region in northwestern Nigeria, children are dying at an alarming rate. The cause? The unique geology of the area.

Lead-rich gold ores permeate the area, and mining them provides critical income for many families in need. Families get by on small-scale artisanal level mining, which exposes them to lead poisoning. With the rising value of gold, villagers must weigh the socioeconomic impacts against the lethal health repercussions.

How will heavy metal poisoning impact future generations in Nigeria? Is there a way to safely mine this unique ore so that denizens can continue to make a living? What about the geology makes this particular deposit so dangerous? Read the rest of the story online at http://www.earthmagazine.org/article/gold-lead

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