Unregulated placer gold mining raises concerns in GB

A recently sealed placer gold extraction site in Hunza. —Photo by Gilgit-Baltistan Environmental Protection Agency • Authorities warn of risks to Diamer-Bhasha Dam, roads, bridges and settlements • Untreated wash water, debris and oil from machinery areas of concern GILGIT: Increasing placer gold mining activities in stre­ams and rivers are threatening the fragile ecosystem of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), with au­­thorities describing them as a serious risk to dams, including the Diamer-Bhasha Dam, as well as roads, bridges, important infrastructure and human settlements along riverbanks. Currently, a large number of local companies, in joint ventures with national and multinational companies,…