Termites used as gold-diggers in Cambodia

[geovalin]

Cam McGrath and Ayanna Runcie

A mining exploration firm working in the remote jungles of northeastern Cambodia is using termites in its search for gold

Deep in the heart of Ratanakkiri province, the earthen mounds that pepper the forest floor provide clues as to the mineral wealth that lies below.

The mounds – some reaching three metres in height – are just the visible tip of a huge underground mining operation carried out by an army of termites, which dig to great depths in search of nourishment and water.

While digging, the industrious insects transport tiny particles of gold and other minerals to the surface to build up their mounds. By analysing the contents of these dirt structures, geologists can learn a lot about the composition of the soil and rock below.

read more: http://www.phnompenhpost.com/post-weekend/nest-little-gold-diggers

[realenglish1]

Talk about slave labor Pay the termites at least a living wage. They have a big family they have to maintain

[farangmick]

Sounds like it would be too expensive to have my one termite mound analized. Another get rich quick scheme bites the dust.

[faraday]

Talk about slave labor Pay the termites at least a living wage. They have a big family they have to maintain

They need a Union to fight for them.

[reggaebkk]

Talk about slave labor Pay the termites at least a living wage. They have a big family they have to maintain

Right... and all that at the expense of the slaves, do you know how hard it is to get a job as slave these days?

[ggt]

They work cheaper than S. Africans and are not prone to strike for higher wages...

[keithathome]

To farangmick

No need to analyse ALL of the mound: just a core, and you'd collect many before starting.