Frontline World Season 4 Episode 12 The Curse of Inca Gold

"The Curse of Inca Gold" episode of Frontline/World Season 4 delves into the complex and often dangerous world of artisanal gold mining in Peru. The episode follows investigative journalist Lowell Bergman as he travels to the Madre de Dios region of Peru, where a gold rush has brought an influx of miners hoping to strike it rich.

Bergman uncovers the devastating environmental and social impact of unregulated gold mining, as well as the dangerous working conditions endured by the miners, many of whom are children. He also investigates the role of organized crime in the gold trade and the complicity of government officials and multinational corporations.

The episode takes viewers on a journey through the stunning rainforest landscapes of Peru, where the conflict between the pursuit of gold and the preservation of nature and indigenous cultures is starkly evident. Through interviews with miners, government officials, environmentalists, and community members, the episode provides a comprehensive and nuanced view of the complexities of the gold mining industry in Peru.

In addition to exploring the human cost of gold mining, the episode also delves into the mystique surrounding Inca gold and the belief in a curse associated with its extraction. Bergman encounters individuals who believe that the pursuit of Inca gold is responsible for the destruction of their communities and the violence and chaos that has plagued the region. Through their stories, the episode highlights the powerful allure of gold and the destructive consequences of its pursuit.

Ultimately, "The Curse of Inca Gold" offers a thought-provoking and eye-opening exploration of the human and environmental cost of the gold industry in Peru. It challenges viewers to consider the ethical implications of gold consumption and to confront the uncomfortable reality that behind every piece of gold jewelry or electronic device lies a complex web of exploitation, violence, and environmental destruction.