I'm unsure where to begin describing the tour to the mines. To truly understand the impact, I suggest you hire the documentary, The Devil Miners.
In summary.
>it was a real working mine
>there were kids as young as 10 in some mines, though i only met an 18 year old that had worked there for 3 years, his blackened lips smiling at me and his bloodshot eyes looking into mine, made my heart skip a beat.
> they worship the great Tio, Devil of the mine that eats miners
> they chew coca leaves, and sip 95% alcohol
> the dust is thick and all consuming
> the explosions echo through you bones and send shivers down your spine
> the conditions are so terrible, your brain hurts to comprehend them
> Words could not truly describe my emotions. It was a mixture of shock, compassion, relief, helplessness and disbelief. These men work here every day, most of which only get paid if they find quality minerals. Only the men working for the big corporate, like those operating the winches or air compression drills, get a regular wage. The rest have to trust in Tio to provide. They live in hope of finding that big silver vein of salvation. Like a poisonous lottery ticket, their heads in the clouds and their lungs in the mines.
On the upside, its a lovely town, and the miners are proud, dying but proud.
Enjoy the pictures but please spare a thought for the miners...
In summary.
>it was a real working mine
>there were kids as young as 10 in some mines, though i only met an 18 year old that had worked there for 3 years, his blackened lips smiling at me and his bloodshot eyes looking into mine, made my heart skip a beat.
> they worship the great Tio, Devil of the mine that eats miners
> they chew coca leaves, and sip 95% alcohol
> the dust is thick and all consuming
> the explosions echo through you bones and send shivers down your spine
> the conditions are so terrible, your brain hurts to comprehend them
> Words could not truly describe my emotions. It was a mixture of shock, compassion, relief, helplessness and disbelief. These men work here every day, most of which only get paid if they find quality minerals. Only the men working for the big corporate, like those operating the winches or air compression drills, get a regular wage. The rest have to trust in Tio to provide. They live in hope of finding that big silver vein of salvation. Like a poisonous lottery ticket, their heads in the clouds and their lungs in the mines.
On the upside, its a lovely town, and the miners are proud, dying but proud.
Enjoy the pictures but please spare a thought for the miners...
Hi Jade, interesting post, looks like a very tough job.
ReplyDeleteI understand you are now at a monkey farm. Please post some pics of some of the monkeys.
Hope you are well and having fun! You are not missing anything back here.