In a recent episode of “Gold Rush: Parker’s Trail,” Parker Schnabel faced a harrowing health scare that forced him to reconsider his mining endeavors in Peru. Schnabel, known for his ambitious gold mining ventures, ruled out operations in La Rinconada, citing the excessive use of mercury in gold processing that far exceeds safe environmental limits.
During a visit to a high-altitude mining site, Schnabel started experiencing severe symptoms of altitude sickness. He suffered from intense headaches and blurred vision, symptoms triggered by the area’s low oxygen levels, which are about 50% less than what he’s accustomed to. Medical tests quickly revealed that his oxygen saturation was dangerously low at 65%, well below the normal level.
Recognizing the severity of the situation, Schnabel’s team made the swift decision to evacuate him to lower altitudes. Despite the move, Schnabel’s condition showed minimal improvement, prompting his team to prepare for a potential early end to their expedition.
Schnabel’s ordeal underscores the extreme risks associated with high-altitude mining and raises concerns about the environmental and health impacts of traditional gold mining practices. As Schnabel recovers, the future of his mining projects remains uncertain, highlighting the harsh realities of gold mining in environmentally sensitive areas.
