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sulfur miner at ijen crater - indonesia

It's really hard when a mixture of sulphur dioxide, hydrogen sulphide, carbon dioxide and other equally unpleasant gasses blowing...... *cough..cough..*

 

Despite the risks (i.e fatality from sulphur inhalation, minor eruptions and deteriorating bones and muscles) the miners are envied by others in their villages. They earn more than those who work in agriculture and they get paid in daily basis (as opposed to every 2 weeks). As of June 2006, the rate is Rp 400/kg (about 4 cents USD) for carrying the slabs of sulfur up and down the strenuous crater and hill. If they do 1 run for the weight between 70-90 kgs they pocket USD 3-4/day. The stronger ones can make it twice a day. Due the nature of the work and human's physical limitations, most miners only work every other day (15 days/month).

 

kawah ijen, east java

 

view the whole set: www.flickr.com/photos/ciskatobing/sets/72157594190252394/

 

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Uploaded on July 11, 2006
Taken on June 28, 2006