The Andean Community of South America has formally ruled that Peru has failed to effectively regulate illegal gold mining and mercury trade in the Amazon region. It demands Peru implement legal reforms and strengthen enforcement within 20 working days, or face regional trade sanctions. This ruling stems from longstanding complaints by indigenous communities regarding mercury pollution. Data from Peru’s Ministry of the Environment indicates that illegal gold mining releases approximately 180 tons of mercury into Amazonian waterways annually. Local residents exhibit blood mercury levels seven times the global average, with pregnant women facing particularly severe health risks.
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