The rise of illegal gold mining activities in West Sumatra has become an environmental problem that...
This story excerpt was translated from bahasa Indonesia. To read the original story in full, visit Padang Info. You may also view the original story on the Rainforest Journalism Fund website here. Our website is available in English, Spanish, bahasa Indonesia, French, and Portuguese.
“Now looking for gold is no different from gambling. If you are lucky, you can get it. But if not, a week's work sabonci did not increase. Good luck."
That's what Arman (35), a resident of Nagari Abai, Sangir Batanghari District, Solok Regency said, who since last year left his job as a gold prospector. He has been managing (panning), carrying and financing heavy equipment in Pamong Gadang, Pamong Ketek and Kimbahan. He decided to stop looking for gold after a work accident that killed 8 people in May 2021 in Kimbahan because later the results were not as expected.
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