Frontline Season 9 Episode 4 Decade of Destruction Part 3: Mountains of Gold
- September 20, 1990
Frontline season 9 episode 4 titled Decade of Destruction Part 3: Mountains of Gold is a gripping account of the effects of gold mining on the environment and the local communities in Peru. The episode sheds light on how large-scale mining operations have devastated entire regions, leaving behind a trail of destruction, pollution, and social conflict.
Frontline's investigative team travels to the northern highlands of Peru to document the impact of gold mining on the local people and the environment. The team follows the journey of gold, from the initial extraction through processing and the ultimate destination for illegal gold traders in the United States.
The episode introduces viewers to the indigenous people who call the mountains of Peru their home. These communities have been exploited by mining companies, causing immense environmental damage and human rights violations. Viewers will hear powerful testimonies from those who have been most affected by the mining industry, including farmers, activists, and former miners who have become sick from mercury poisoning.
The Frontline team also exposes the major players in the gold trade and the illicit dealings that allow gold to be smuggled out of Peru and into the international market. The documentary provides a rare look at the underground world of illegal gold smuggling, which is often linked to money laundering, organized crime, and corruption.
Through interviews with experts and academics, viewers will gain a better understanding of the economic and political forces driving gold mining in Peru. The documentary examines the complex relationships that exist between mining companies, the government, and the local communities. Frontline also investigates the role of international development organizations in promoting mining as a means of economic development in poor countries.
The episode raises important questions about the environmental and social costs of the global appetite for gold. Viewers are left with a deep sense of concern about the impact of our consumer culture on the planet and on the lives of those who are most vulnerable.
Overall, Decade of Destruction Part 3: Mountains of Gold is a fascinating and thought-provoking documentary that delivers a powerful message about the true cost of the gold industry. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in social justice, environmental issues, or the impact of globalization on developing countries.