DOCUMENTARY

Afghanistan is a mountainous country that still heavily depends on coal to produce electricity. The nation’s coal mining industry lacks infrastructure and security, and as a result there are many illnesses and fatalities caused by safety hazards and a lack of regulations.

This series documents coal miners in the outskirts of Mazar-E-Sharif as they load up coal trucks to be sent throughout the country. These men shovel coal all day long for the equivalent of $4 USD salary per day. They had no protective coverings and their life-span is known to decrease significantly due to the toxins they inhale. Although their faces were dusted with coal, their pride and resilience can be seen through the eyes of each coal miner.