I went to film inside a coal mine yesterday!!

We tried to get into the mining area in our own 4×4, but didn’t manage due to muddy and extremely steep roads. Luckily we got offered a lift by one of the truck drivers, who was on his way to pick up coal.

I’ve filmed the journey from the back of the truck, trying to hold myself at the same time! The muscular pains I had today prove it was an adventurous ride
After 30 minutes we got stuck in a traffic jam on top of the hill because other trucks were trying to pass from the other side. All trucks driving uphill tried to find a place wide enough to let others pass (on a one way road close to the edge of a cliff!!) After observing all kinds of dangerous manoeuvres I decided to continue our journey by foot.

When we arrived at the nearest mine, two mine workers guided us inside (on bare feet!) We didn’t go far in, but I could feel the shortage of oxygen in the humid air right away!

When I asked the mine workers about how the mining affects their health and environment, I was surprised by their answers. They said mine workers get to be very old, and they also didn’t notice any environmental changes the past years.

I believe it’s impossible to stay healthy and keep nature undamaged doing this work.
It’s a sad situation.. For many of them this is the only way to support their families, but at the same time their work affects the place their children will grow up in….

• WATCH THE FILM!