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In Mongolia, herders are losing their animals in a series of summer droughts and increasingly harsh winters. Combined with the global recession and the end of Soviet subsidies, the country is facing an unemployment crisis, with herders turning to artisanal gold mining to make ends meet. Multimedia journalist Ana Brigida documented their lives and work last fall.
Nearly 100,000 Mongolians are trying their luck digging in rural areas and around formal mining companies. Their holes and tunnels, often dug by hand with few safety precautions, can lead to collapses with deadly consequences.
Artisanal mining is not legally recognized or organized by the government and as a result, miners lack social services or safety regulations. The government also criticizes these miners for using mercury, causing environment damage and the pollution of rivers.
Watch this video by Ana Brigida to learn more about the miners daily lives and concerns.
Leave a Comment:
i give these people a Bravo and good luck. desperation will make you do just about anything. i hope to God they get something out it. they deserve it. they hard working people.
Amen to that Gloria f....ever since watching the movie.."Story of the Weeping Camel" I have a very great respect for these people and their way of life!
is the man in the 2nd picture wearing a glove? his hand is huge...
These people appear to be trying to help themselves. I don't mind giving aid to those who aren't just sitting around waiting for a handout.
I'm not familiar with the region, but isn't there something that can be done in the way of irrigation or digging wells , and supplying them with replacement stock?
Don't rip me to shreds, folks, I'm willing to be educated.
panning for gold is one thing - using mercury and cyanide as the big boys do is another. If they find the gold - there is one certainty - the US, Britain and China will be in very quick to claim mining rights and push these people off their claim - just ask the Natives of the Dakota's after the Black Hills Gold was discovered!
Bravo! Here's a proud people that fend for themselves.
They should take the mercury themselves and just trip out because they won't find anything
Trying to do their best with what they've got. Can't ask for more.