The presence of gold in the streams of the Mississippi River has been evident for a long time now. Gold flakes along the shore of the river indicate the potential from which this can come from. However, since the beginning of the 1990s, the presence of gold has been steadily increasing. This sudden increase is something to note, as it can’t be explained by natural geologic processes, as indicated by many experts.
Although there is no definitive answer as to why gold is present in the waters of the Mississippi River, many theories have been put forward. The most common believe is that gold may have been flushed into the waters as a result of illegal gold-mining operations, taking place somewhere upstream of the river. Another interesting theory is that of the gold rush during the 1850’s. At this time, gold was being sought by many people in the river, and some may have been left in the river and never collected.
The other possibility is that the gold is coming from eroded sedimentary rocks in the rivers’ vicinity. It is likely that these rocks contain tiny amounts of gold, these particles have been washed away and into the river, ending up settling along with the banks.
A negative effect of gold particles from either source being present in the river is the potential for heavy metal contamination. This is of high concern for those that live in the region and rely on the waters for food and drink.
The Effects of Mining in the Mississippi River
Mining has been known to have a number of potential negative impacts on the rivers and ecosystems of the Mississippi River. Mining often results in detrimental effects such as deforestation and disruption of aquatic life. Illegal mining operations are more likely to be more negative than those that are managed due to being unmonitored and without restrictions.
Water pollution through mining activities is another threat that can affect residents of the area, if mining is responsible for the gold in the Mississippi, then it will greatly increase the risk of water contamination in the area. Acid mine drainage is one of the most destructive forms of pollution, as it can contaminate surrounding soil and water sources, causing serious damage to living organisms.
The extraction of minerals, particularly gold, is a difficult process; it requires large amounts of energy, water and other resources. As is the case with any industry, the extraction process results in the emission of harmful pollutants such as carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide, which are both dangerous for human health and the environment.
The Legality of Gold Mining in the Mississippi
Gold mining within the Mississippi River is illegal, as it is everywhere else in the United States, due to the different state and federal laws. The rivers of the United States are governed and protected by the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and other environmental laws such as the Clean Water Act and the Rivers and Harbors Act.
The potential impacts of physical gold mining on the environment must also be taken into account. Physical gold mining has serious implications for wildlife, vegetation and aquatic resources. The displaced sediment, generated by the excavations, could have devastating impacts on fish and other aquatic organisms, leading to significant disruption of the entire ecosystem.
Many states have specific regulations in place to protect their river’s ecosystems from being disturbed. This often includes regulations on activities such as dredging, hydraulic mining and prospecting.
The Perspectives of Local People
Those living in the areas surrounding the Mississippi River may be familiar with the stories of gold allegedly discovered in its waters. Over the years, people have speculated whether the source of these gold flakes is an old, forgotten mine, the gold rush of the 1850’s, or just sedimentary erosion.
Whatever the explanation, the decision to mine gold in the Mississippi River is one that comes with a great deal of risk. The environmental hazards of such an undertaking could prove costly, while the legal ramifications of mining without authorization could be even worse.
Many of the locals are against mining, believing that the gold of the Mississippi should remain undiscovered and the river should continue to be just that – the Mississippi River.
Investment Prospect of Gold in the Mississippi
The potential of gold in the Mississippi River is exciting from potential investors’ point of view. However, it is important to consider the risks associated with any gold mining project. Gold prices can be incredibly volatile and investments in this sector can often be extremely risky. It can be difficult to predict the long-term value of gold and the potential for a return on an investment in this area could be limited.
The other risk is the potential for legal complications with illegal gold mining operations, which is a major concern for investors. If a project is found to be in violation of federal, state or local laws, then it could face serious consequences, some of which could include fines, the loss of permits and the halting of operations.
Conclusion
Whether or not there is gold in the Mississippi River remains a mystery, despite theories and speculation. It is evident that gold is present in the river, however it’s origin and the legal/environmental ramifications of mining it remain unknown. It is also true that it is illegal to mine for gold in the Mississippi River, so if you are a prospector, it is best to look elsewhere.
