甘肃一条小河现多位淘金者，凌晨1点还有人！当地政府回应

Core Viewpoint - The illegal gold mining activities in the Yanzi River of Kang County, Gansu, have resurfaced despite government prohibitions, driven by rising gold prices and ongoing riverbed excavations [6][11][12]. Group 1: Illegal Gold Mining Activities - A video surfaced showing individuals mining for gold in the river at 4°C, with reports of significant yields, such as 5 grams per person [1]. - Local merchants indicated that this phenomenon had begun earlier in the year, and although it was officially halted, it has returned due to recent riverbed excavations [6]. - The Kang County government has explicitly prohibited individual gold mining activities, yet reports suggest that such activities are ongoing [6][9]. Group 2: Government Response - In July, the Kang County Natural Resources Bureau issued a notice banning illegal gold mining in the county's rivers and provided a reporting hotline [9]. - The local government has been actively working to combat illegal mining, citing ecological damage and safety risks to the river [11]. - Law enforcement has been dispatched to patrol and discourage illegal mining activities, with potential legal consequences for violators [11]. Group 3: Market Context - The price of gold has surged over 53% this year, reaching a peak of $4,381.21 per ounce on October 20, before experiencing a sharp decline of over 8% [12]. - The increase in gold prices, influenced by geopolitical uncertainties and strong inflows into gold ETFs, has contributed to the resurgence of illegal mining activities [12].