Rising gold prices are driving a surge in illegal mining across Indonesia, with Jambi Province emerging as one of the most active hotspots. Illegal sites—some are allegedly operating with community or political backing—produce an estimated 120 tonnes of gold annually, nearly matching Indonesia’s legal output, while causing severe environmental damage to forests and rivers.

Despite deadly risks, low earnings, and frequent police raids, miners say they have few alternatives for income. As the government prepares to legalize select community mining zones in April, environmental groups warn that weak oversight could legitimize illegal operations and accelerate deforestation, flooding risks, and mercury pollution.
 

This video summary was created by AI from the original DW script. It was edited by a journalist before publication.