Illegal gold mining in Las Tunas escalates into public health crisis

State media reports that illegal gold mining in Las Tunas, Cuba, using mercury amalgamation has become a public health problem, citing neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, and renal damage. The claim is sourced from official press, with no independent verification of exposure levels or case counts. This marks a notable shift from treating the issue as law enforcement to a health emergency, potentially prompting regulatory or public-health intervention.