It has been recently discovered that the Andes in Chile have at least 11.5 billion dollars worth of gold in the wide-swept area with glaciers. The place where it can be found is 15.000 feet up in the Andes and the biggest gold company in the world is trying to mine it. The process of extracting the yellow metal has been very difficult not only because of the harsh terrain but also because of the people living there.

The Chile government has already approved the project but the locals are strongly opposing the issue. The local environmental and civic groups believe that the mining project will not only affect the water supply and the agriculture but the company will mine the gold without paying royalties and taxes.

The groups strongly believe that the downside of this issue is more important than the jobs the company is said to be offering. Because of the great amount of stress that will be put on the environment, the natural balance in the area will be seriously affected. The local Mexicans depend on agriculture and farming and this is why they are against the mining project.

The farmers have created an ingenious irrigation system that helps them cultivate things like: olives, grapes, avocados and even mangoes. Most of these fruits end up in countries like Japan, Unites States and also in Europe. The people are concerned with the fact that the Mexican government is not taking into consideration the efforts that they are making in order to live decently. On the other hand, the mining company has promised to take all the necessary measures in order to ensure the safety of the environment.

Gold is a very important asset to own and to invest in. This is the reason why economists advise us to invest in the glittering metal. The precious metal is a very good way to diversify one’s portfolio so, you should do a little research and start investing.