Dorlin, French Guiana
Treasure fight: Nine prospectors were killed last week in an armed clash between gangs vying for control of a remote region known for illegal gold panning. The incident occurred during a visit by French President Nicolas Sarkozy to French Guiana, an overseas region of France. Experts say that heavily armed gangs organize the illegal extraction of between 5 and 10 tons of gold there every year, leaving behind damaging mercury contamination. Only about 3 tons of gold are extracted legally per year in French Guiana. Sarkozy said he would step up the fight against the illegal practice.
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