Risk on the Edge: Manual Mining on Steep Slopes

Описание: This worker is performing high-risk manual mining on a steep slope, using a metal rod to break apart compacted soil and rocks. Tied only with a rope for safety, he chips away at the earth and removes large pieces by hand. The process demands incredible strength, balance, and precision—one wrong move could cause a landslide or fall.
Such labor-intensive mining highlights the risks workers take to extract valuable resources in environments where machinery cannot easily operate. While the technique is effective for reaching hard-to-access deposits, it exposes miners to dangers like rockfalls, dust inhalation, and rope failure.
Modernizing such methods with better safety harnesses, protective gear, and mechanical tools could significantly reduce risks while improving efficiency.