Zimbabwe’s toxic gold rush: how would-be treasure hunters are causing ecological disaster
As thousands of illegal gold miners descend on the region in search of riches, their use of mercury is contaminating land and water supplies
![A miner carries a load of ore at Manzou Farm, owned by Grace Mugabe, wife of former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, in Mazowe, Zimbabwe](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/global-health/2024/03/26/TELEMMGLPICT000202786588_17114546666740_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqpVlberWd9EgFPZtcLiMQf0Rf_Wk3V23H2268P_XkPxc.jpeg?imwidth=350)
As thousands of illegal gold miners descend on the region in search of riches, their use of mercury is contaminating land and water supplies
Despite its elimination as a health threat three decades ago, new cases are emerging – and experts fear more could be flying under the radar
Mosquitoes are spreading to higher and colder areas of the country, bringing with them disease and death