Sand miners (Colombia)   [ 64 images ]

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Artisanal (unmechanised) sand mining is an ancient mining technique used to obtain sand for construction purposes. Depending on the natural conditions (strength of the stream, depth of the river etc.), together with the sand miners' physical condition, the material is extracted in metal buckets, either by standing on the river bottom and searching for sand by feet, or, diving up to 3-5 meters deep using a wooden plank with steps. In spite of the physically demanding work, a sand miner's daily...
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  • A Colombian sand miner dives under the water to extract sand from the bottom of the river La Vieja in Cartago, Colombia, 14 April 2013. Artisanal (unmechanised) sand mining is an ancient mining technique used to obtain sand for construction purposes. Depending on the natural conditions (strength of the stream, depth of the river etc.), together with the sand miners' physical condition, the material is extracted in metal buckets, either by standing on the river bottom and searching for sand by feet, or, diving up to 3-5 meters deep using a wooden plank with steps. In spite of the physically demanding work, a sand miner's daily salary does not exceed 15-20 US dollars. However, the sand miners are very proud of their profession, valuing their work freedom above all, and usually, as long as their health and strength permit, they keep facing the river stream.

  • A Colombian sand miner loads the extracted sand into a car on the bank of the river La Vieja in Cartago, Colombia, 8 February 2013. Artisanal (unmechanised) sand mining is an ancient mining technique used to obtain sand for construction purposes. Depending on the natural conditions (strength of the stream, depth of the river etc.), together with the sand miners' physical condition, the material is extracted in metal buckets, either by standing on the river bottom and searching for sand by feet, or, diving up to 3-5 meters deep using a wooden plank with steps. In spite of the physically demanding work, a sand miner's daily salary does not exceed 15-20 US dollars. However, the sand miners are very proud of their profession, valuing their work freedom above all, and usually, as long as their health and strength permit, they keep facing the river stream.

  • Colombian sand miners cross the river Magdalena in a boat to extract the sand from the river bank in Puerto Berrío, Colombia, 3 February 2013. Artisanal (unmechanised) sand mining is an ancient mining technique used to obtain sand for construction purposes. Depending on the natural conditions (strength of the stream, depth of the river etc.), together with the sand miners' physical condition, the material is extracted in metal buckets, either by standing on the river bottom and searching for sand by feet, or, diving up to 3-5 meters deep using a wooden plank with steps. In spite of the physically demanding work, a sand miner's daily salary does not exceed 15-20 US dollars. However, the sand miners are very proud of their profession, valuing their work freedom above all, and usually, as long as their health and strength permit, they keep facing the river stream.

  • A Colombian sand miner unloads a bucket full of gravel into his boat anchored in the middle of the river La Vieja in Cartago, Colombia, 8 February 2013. Artisanal (unmechanised) sand mining is an ancient mining technique used to obtain sand for construction purposes. Depending on the natural conditions (strength of the stream, depth of the river etc.), together with the sand miners' physical condition, the material is extracted in metal buckets, either by standing on the river bottom and searching for sand by feet, or, diving up to 3-5 meters deep using a wooden plank with steps. In spite of the physically demanding work, a sand miner's daily salary does not exceed 15-20 US dollars. However, the sand miners are very proud of their profession, valuing their work freedom above all, and usually, as long as their health and strength permit, they keep facing the river stream.

  • Colombian sand miners, using a wheelbarrow, unload sand from the boat on the bank of the river Magdalena in Puerto Berrío, Colombia, 3 February 2013. Artisanal (unmechanised) sand mining is an ancient mining technique used to obtain sand for construction purposes. Depending on the natural conditions (strength of the stream, depth of the river etc.), together with the sand miners' physical condition, the material is extracted in metal buckets, either by standing on the river bottom and searching for sand by feet, or, diving up to 3-5 meters deep using a wooden plank with steps. In spite of the physically demanding work, a sand miner's daily salary does not exceed 15-20 US dollars. However, the sand miners are very proud of their profession, valuing their work freedom above all, and usually, as long as their health and strength permit, they keep facing the river stream.

  • A Colombian sand miner dives under the water to extract sand from the bottom of the river La Vieja in Cartago, Colombia, 14 April 2013. Artisanal (unmechanised) sand mining is an ancient mining technique used to obtain sand for construction purposes. Depending on the natural conditions (strength of the stream, depth of the river etc.), together with the sand miners' physical condition, the material is extracted in metal buckets, either by standing on the river bottom and searching for sand by feet, or, diving up to 3-5 meters deep using a wooden plank with steps. In spite of the physically demanding work, a sand miner's daily salary does not exceed 15-20 US dollars. However, the sand miners are very proud of their profession, valuing their work freedom above all, and usually, as long as their health and strength permit, they keep facing the river stream.

  • A Colombian sand miner unloads the extracted sand from his boat on the bank of the river La Vieja in Cartago, Colombia, 9 February 2013. Artisanal (unmechanised) sand mining is an ancient mining technique used to obtain sand for construction purposes. Depending on the natural conditions (strength of the stream, depth of the river etc.), together with the sand miners' physical condition, the material is extracted in metal buckets, either by standing on the river bottom and searching for sand by feet, or, diving up to 3-5 meters deep using a wooden plank with steps. In spite of the physically demanding work, a sand miner's daily salary does not exceed 15-20 US dollars. However, the sand miners are very proud of their profession, valuing their work freedom above all, and usually, as long as their health and strength permit, they keep facing the river stream.

  • Colombian sand miners unload buckets full of sand into their boat anchored in the middle of the river La Vieja in Cartago, Colombia, 8 February 2013. Artisanal (unmechanised) sand mining is an ancient mining technique used to obtain sand for construction purposes. Depending on the natural conditions (strength of the stream, depth of the river etc.), together with the sand miners' physical condition, the material is extracted in metal buckets, either by standing on the river bottom and searching for sand by feet, or, diving up to 3-5 meters deep using a wooden plank with steps. In spite of the physically demanding work, a sand miner's daily salary does not exceed 15-20 US dollars. However, the sand miners are very proud of their profession, valuing their work freedom above all, and usually, as long as their health and strength permit, they keep facing the river stream.

  • A Colombian sand miner climbs up the anchored boat while working in the middle of the river La Vieja in Cartago, Colombia, 10 December 2013. Artisanal (unmechanised) sand mining is an ancient mining technique used to obtain sand for construction purposes. Depending on the natural conditions (strength of the stream, depth of the river etc.), together with the sand miners' physical condition, the material is extracted in metal buckets, either by standing on the river bottom and searching for sand by feet, or, diving up to 3-5 meters deep using a wooden plank with steps. In spite of the physically demanding work, a sand miner's daily salary does not exceed 15-20 US dollars. However, the sand miners are very proud of their profession, valuing their work freedom above all, and usually, as long as their health and strength permit, they keep facing the river stream.

  • A Colombian sand miner works on the reinforcement of the bank of the river La Vieja in Cartago, Colombia, 15 April 2013. Artisanal (unmechanised) sand mining is an ancient mining technique used to obtain sand for construction purposes. Depending on the natural conditions (strength of the stream, depth of the river etc.), together with the sand miners' physical condition, the material is extracted in metal buckets, either by standing on the river bottom and searching for sand by feet, or, diving up to 3-5 meters deep using a wooden plank with steps. In spite of the physically demanding work, a sand miner's daily salary does not exceed 15-20 US dollars. However, the sand miners are very proud of their profession, valuing their work freedom above all, and usually, as long as their health and strength permit, they keep facing the river stream.

  • A Colombian sand miner dives under the water to extract sand from the bottom of the river La Vieja in Cartago, Colombia, 13 April 2013. Artisanal (unmechanised) sand mining is an ancient mining technique used to obtain sand for construction purposes. Depending on the natural conditions (strength of the stream, depth of the river etc.), together with the sand miners' physical condition, the material is extracted in metal buckets, either by standing on the river bottom and searching for sand by feet, or, diving up to 3-5 meters deep using a wooden plank with steps. In spite of the physically demanding work, a sand miner's daily salary does not exceed 15-20 US dollars. However, the sand miners are very proud of their profession, valuing their work freedom above all, and usually, as long as their health and strength permit, they keep facing the river stream.

  • Boats of Colombian sand miners are seen tied up at the bank of the river La Vieja in Cartago, Colombia, 10 December 2013. Artisanal (unmechanised) sand mining is an ancient mining technique used to obtain sand for construction purposes. Depending on the natural conditions (strength of the stream, depth of the river etc.), together with the sand miners' physical condition, the material is extracted in metal buckets, either by standing on the river bottom and searching for sand by feet, or, diving up to 3-5 meters deep using a wooden plank with steps. In spite of the physically demanding work, a sand miner's daily salary does not exceed 15-20 US dollars. However, the sand miners are very proud of their profession, valuing their work freedom above all, and usually, as long as their health and strength permit, they keep facing the river stream.

  • A Colombian sand miner holds the boat while diving under the water to extract sand from the bottom of the river La Vieja in Cartago, Colombia, 10 December 2013. Artisanal (unmechanised) sand mining is an ancient mining technique used to obtain sand for construction purposes. Depending on the natural conditions (strength of the stream, depth of the river etc.), together with the sand miners' physical condition, the material is extracted in metal buckets, either by standing on the river bottom and searching for sand by feet, or, diving up to 3-5 meters deep using a wooden plank with steps. In spite of the physically demanding work, a sand miner's daily salary does not exceed 15-20 US dollars. However, the sand miners are very proud of their profession, valuing their work freedom above all, and usually, as long as their health and strength permit, they keep facing the river stream.

  • Colombian sand miners load the extracted sand into a car on the bank of the river La Vieja in Cartago, Colombia, 13 April 2013. Artisanal (unmechanised) sand mining is an ancient mining technique used to obtain sand for construction purposes. Depending on the natural conditions (strength of the stream, depth of the river etc.), together with the sand miners' physical condition, the material is extracted in metal buckets, either by standing on the river bottom and searching for sand by feet, or, diving up to 3-5 meters deep using a wooden plank with steps. In spite of the physically demanding work, a sand miner's daily salary does not exceed 15-20 US dollars. However, the sand miners are very proud of their profession, valuing their work freedom above all, and usually, as long as their health and strength permit, they keep facing the river stream.

  • A Colombian sand miner dives under the water to extract sand from the bottom of the river La Vieja in Cartago, Colombia, 9 February 2013. Artisanal (unmechanised) sand mining is an ancient mining technique used to obtain sand for construction purposes. Depending on the natural conditions (strength of the stream, depth of the river etc.), together with the sand miners' physical condition, the material is extracted in metal buckets, either by standing on the river bottom and searching for sand by feet, or, diving up to 3-5 meters deep using a wooden plank with steps. In spite of the physically demanding work, a sand miner's daily salary does not exceed 15-20 US dollars. However, the sand miners are very proud of their profession, valuing their work freedom above all, and usually, as long as their health and strength permit, they keep facing the river stream.

  • A crumpled hat of a Colombian sand miner is seen on the bottom of a wooden boat anchored close the bank of the river La Vieja in Cartago, Colombia, 10 December 2013. Artisanal (unmechanised) sand mining is an ancient mining technique used to obtain sand for construction purposes. Depending on the natural conditions (strength of the stream, depth of the river etc.), together with the sand miners' physical condition, the material is extracted in metal buckets, either by standing on the river bottom and searching for sand by feet, or, diving up to 3-5 meters deep using a wooden plank with steps. In spite of the physically demanding work, a sand miner's daily salary does not exceed 15-20 US dollars. However, the sand miners are very proud of their profession, valuing their work freedom above all, and usually, as long as their health and strength permit, they keep facing the river stream.

  • Colombian sand miners, using a wheelbarrow, unload sand from the boat on the bank of the river Magdalena in Puerto Berrío, Colombia, 3 February 2013. Artisanal (unmechanised) sand mining is an ancient mining technique used to obtain sand for construction purposes. Depending on the natural conditions (strength of the stream, depth of the river etc.), together with the sand miners' physical condition, the material is extracted in metal buckets, either by standing on the river bottom and searching for sand by feet, or, diving up to 3-5 meters deep using a wooden plank with steps. In spite of the physically demanding work, a sand miner's daily salary does not exceed 15-20 US dollars. However, the sand miners are very proud of their profession, valuing their work freedom above all, and usually, as long as their health and strength permit, they keep facing the river stream.

  • A Colombian sand miner unloads a bucket full of sand into his boat anchored in the middle of the river La Vieja in Cartago, Colombia, 10 December 2013. Artisanal (unmechanised) sand mining is an ancient mining technique used to obtain sand for construction purposes. Depending on the natural conditions (strength of the stream, depth of the river etc.), together with the sand miners' physical condition, the material is extracted in metal buckets, either by standing on the river bottom and searching for sand by feet, or, diving up to 3-5 meters deep using a wooden plank with steps. In spite of the physically demanding work, a sand miner's daily salary does not exceed 15-20 US dollars. However, the sand miners are very proud of their profession, valuing their work freedom above all, and usually, as long as their health and strength permit, they keep facing the river stream.

  • A Colombian sand miner, using a barge pole, navigates his boat loaded with extracted sand in the river La Vieja in Cartago, Colombia, 8 February 2013. Artisanal (unmechanised) sand mining is an ancient mining technique used to obtain sand for construction purposes. Depending on the natural conditions (strength of the stream, depth of the river etc.), together with the sand miners' physical condition, the material is extracted in metal buckets, either by standing on the river bottom and searching for sand by feet, or, diving up to 3-5 meters deep using a wooden plank with steps. In spite of the physically demanding work, a sand miner's daily salary does not exceed 15-20 US dollars. However, the sand miners are very proud of their profession, valuing their work freedom above all, and usually, as long as their health and strength permit, they keep facing the river stream.

  • A Colombian sand miner unloads the extracted sand from his boat on the bank of the river La Vieja in Cartago, Colombia, 8 February 2013. Artisanal (unmechanised) sand mining is an ancient mining technique used to obtain sand for construction purposes. Depending on the natural conditions (strength of the stream, depth of the river etc.), together with the sand miners' physical condition, the material is extracted in metal buckets, either by standing on the river bottom and searching for sand by feet, or, diving up to 3-5 meters deep using a wooden plank with steps. In spite of the physically demanding work, a sand miner's daily salary does not exceed 15-20 US dollars. However, the sand miners are very proud of their profession, valuing their work freedom above all, and usually, as long as their health and strength permit, they keep facing the river stream.

  • Colombian sand miners load the sand into a boat on the bank of the river Magdalena in Puerto Berrío, Colombia, 3 February 2013. Artisanal (unmechanised) sand mining is an ancient mining technique used to obtain sand for construction purposes. Depending on the natural conditions (strength of the stream, depth of the river etc.), together with the sand miners' physical condition, the material is extracted in metal buckets, either by standing on the river bottom and searching for sand by feet, or, diving up to 3-5 meters deep using a wooden plank with steps. In spite of the physically demanding work, a sand miner's daily salary does not exceed 15-20 US dollars. However, the sand miners are very proud of their profession, valuing their work freedom above all, and usually, as long as their health and strength permit, they keep facing the river stream.

  • A Colombian sand miner dives under the water to extract sand from the bottom of the river La Vieja in Cartago, Colombia, 14 April 2013. Artisanal (unmechanised) sand mining is an ancient mining technique used to obtain sand for construction purposes. Depending on the natural conditions (strength of the stream, depth of the river etc.), together with the sand miners' physical condition, the material is extracted in metal buckets, either by standing on the river bottom and searching for sand by feet, or, diving up to 3-5 meters deep using a wooden plank with steps. In spite of the physically demanding work, a sand miner's daily salary does not exceed 15-20 US dollars. However, the sand miners are very proud of their profession, valuing their work freedom above all, and usually, as long as their health and strength permit, they keep facing the river stream.

  • A Colombian sand miner unloads the extracted sand from his boat on the bank of the river La Vieja in Cartago, Colombia, 9 February 2013. Artisanal (unmechanised) sand mining is an ancient mining technique used to obtain sand for construction purposes. Depending on the natural conditions (strength of the stream, depth of the river etc.), together with the sand miners' physical condition, the material is extracted in metal buckets, either by standing on the river bottom and searching for sand by feet, or, diving up to 3-5 meters deep using a wooden plank with steps. In spite of the physically demanding work, a sand miner's daily salary does not exceed 15-20 US dollars. However, the sand miners are very proud of their profession, valuing their work freedom above all, and usually, as long as their health and strength permit, they keep facing the river stream.

  • Colombian sand miners unload buckets full of sand into their boat anchored in the middle of the river La Vieja in Cartago, Colombia, 8 February 2013. Artisanal (unmechanised) sand mining is an ancient mining technique used to obtain sand for construction purposes. Depending on the natural conditions (strength of the stream, depth of the river etc.), together with the sand miners' physical condition, the material is extracted in metal buckets, either by standing on the river bottom and searching for sand by feet, or, diving up to 3-5 meters deep using a wooden plank with steps. In spite of the physically demanding work, a sand miner's daily salary does not exceed 15-20 US dollars. However, the sand miners are very proud of their profession, valuing their work freedom above all, and usually, as long as their health and strength permit, they keep facing the river stream.

  • Colombian sand miners, using a wheelbarrow, unload sand from the boat on the bank of the river Magdalena in Puerto Berrío, Colombia, 3 February 2013. Artisanal (unmechanised) sand mining is an ancient mining technique used to obtain sand for construction purposes. Depending on the natural conditions (strength of the stream, depth of the river etc.), together with the sand miners' physical condition, the material is extracted in metal buckets, either by standing on the river bottom and searching for sand by feet, or, diving up to 3-5 meters deep using a wooden plank with steps. In spite of the physically demanding work, a sand miner's daily salary does not exceed 15-20 US dollars. However, the sand miners are very proud of their profession, valuing their work freedom above all, and usually, as long as their health and strength permit, they keep facing the river stream.

  • A hand of a Colombian sand miner, diving under the water to extract sand, seen in of the river La Vieja in Cartago, Colombia, 14 April 2013. Artisanal (unmechanised) sand mining is an ancient mining technique used to obtain sand for construction purposes. Depending on the natural conditions (strength of the stream, depth of the river etc.), together with the sand miners' physical condition, the material is extracted in metal buckets, either by standing on the river bottom and searching for sand by feet, or, diving up to 3-5 meters deep using a wooden plank with steps. In spite of the physically demanding work, a sand miner's daily salary does not exceed 15-20 US dollars. However, the sand miners are very proud of their profession, valuing their work freedom above all, and usually, as long as their health and strength permit, they keep facing the river stream.

  • Young Colombian sand miners hang out after the work on the bank of the river La Vieja in Cartago, Colombia, 14 April 2013. Artisanal (unmechanised) sand mining is an ancient mining technique used to obtain sand for construction purposes. Depending on the natural conditions (strength of the stream, depth of the river etc.), together with the sand miners' physical condition, the material is extracted in metal buckets, either by standing on the river bottom and searching for sand by feet, or, diving up to 3-5 meters deep using a wooden plank with steps. In spite of the physically demanding work, a sand miner's daily salary does not exceed 15-20 US dollars. However, the sand miners are very proud of their profession, valuing their work freedom above all, and usually, as long as their health and strength permit, they keep facing the river stream.

  • A Colombian sand miner unloads a bucket full of sand into his boat anchored in the middle of the river La Vieja in Cartago, Colombia, 13 April 2013. Artisanal (unmechanised) sand mining is an ancient mining technique used to obtain sand for construction purposes. Depending on the natural conditions (strength of the stream, depth of the river etc.), together with the sand miners' physical condition, the material is extracted in metal buckets, either by standing on the river bottom and searching for sand by feet, or, diving up to 3-5 meters deep using a wooden plank with steps. In spite of the physically demanding work, a sand miner's daily salary does not exceed 15-20 US dollars. However, the sand miners are very proud of their profession, valuing their work freedom above all, and usually, as long as their health and strength permit, they keep facing the river stream.

  • A Colombian sand miner dives under the water to extract sand from the bottom of the river La Vieja in Cartago, Colombia, 14 April 2013. Artisanal (unmechanised) sand mining is an ancient mining technique used to obtain sand for construction purposes. Depending on the natural conditions (strength of the stream, depth of the river etc.), together with the sand miners' physical condition, the material is extracted in metal buckets, either by standing on the river bottom and searching for sand by feet, or, diving up to 3-5 meters deep using a wooden plank with steps. In spite of the physically demanding work, a sand miner's daily salary does not exceed 15-20 US dollars. However, the sand miners are very proud of their profession, valuing their work freedom above all, and usually, as long as their health and strength permit, they keep facing the river stream.

  • A Colombian sand miner repairs a wooden boat with hot liquid asphalt on the bank of the river La Vieja in Cartago, Colombia, 14 April 2013. Artisanal (unmechanised) sand mining is an ancient mining technique used to obtain sand for construction purposes. Depending on the natural conditions (strength of the stream, depth of the river etc.), together with the sand miners' physical condition, the material is extracted in metal buckets, either by standing on the river bottom and searching for sand by feet, or, diving up to 3-5 meters deep using a wooden plank with steps. In spite of the physically demanding work, a sand miner's daily salary does not exceed 15-20 US dollars. However, the sand miners are very proud of their profession, valuing their work freedom above all, and usually, as long as their health and strength permit, they keep facing the river stream.

  • A Colombian sand miner holds a wooden ladder used to dive deeper to extract sand from the bottom of the river La Vieja in Cartago, Colombia, 10 December 2013. Artisanal (unmechanised) sand mining is an ancient mining technique used to obtain sand for construction purposes. Depending on the natural conditions (strength of the stream, depth of the river etc.), together with the sand miners' physical condition, the material is extracted in metal buckets, either by standing on the river bottom and searching for sand by feet, or, diving up to 3-5 meters deep using a wooden plank with steps. In spite of the physically demanding work, a sand miner's daily salary does not exceed 15-20 US dollars. However, the sand miners are very proud of their profession, valuing their work freedom above all, and usually, as long as their health and strength permit, they keep facing the river stream.

  • A close-up view of a sand miner's bucket seen on the bank of the river La Vieja in Cartago, Colombia, 15 April 2013. Artisanal (unmechanised) sand mining is an ancient mining technique used to obtain sand for construction purposes. Depending on the natural conditions (strength of the stream, depth of the river etc.), together with the sand miners' physical condition, the material is extracted in metal buckets, either by standing on the river bottom and searching for sand by feet, or, diving up to 3-5 meters deep using a wooden plank with steps. In spite of the physically demanding work, a sand miner's daily salary does not exceed 15-20 US dollars. However, the sand miners are very proud of their profession, valuing their work freedom above all, and usually, as long as their health and strength permit, they keep facing the river stream.

  • A top of the head of a Colombian sand miner, diving under the water to extract sand, seen in of the river La Vieja in Cartago, Colombia, 14 April 2013. Artisanal (unmechanised) sand mining is an ancient mining technique used to obtain sand for construction purposes. Depending on the natural conditions (strength of the stream, depth of the river etc.), together with the sand miners' physical condition, the material is extracted in metal buckets, either by standing on the river bottom and searching for sand by feet, or, diving up to 3-5 meters deep using a wooden plank with steps. In spite of the physically demanding work, a sand miner's daily salary does not exceed 15-20 US dollars. However, the sand miners are very proud of their profession, valuing their work freedom above all, and usually, as long as their health and strength permit, they keep facing the river stream.

  • A Colombian sand miner lifts up a bucket full of sand while working in the river La Vieja in Cartago, Colombia, 9 February 2013. Artisanal (unmechanised) sand mining is an ancient mining technique used to obtain sand for construction purposes. Depending on the natural conditions (strength of the stream, depth of the river etc.), together with the sand miners' physical condition, the material is extracted in metal buckets, either by standing on the river bottom and searching for sand by feet, or, diving up to 3-5 meters deep using a wooden plank with steps. In spite of the physically demanding work, a sand miner's daily salary does not exceed 15-20 US dollars. However, the sand miners are very proud of their profession, valuing their work freedom above all, and usually, as long as their health and strength permit, they keep facing the river stream.

  • Colombian sand miners, using a wheelbarrow, unload sand from the boat on the bank of the river Magdalena in Puerto Berrío, Colombia, 3 February 2013. Artisanal (unmechanised) sand mining is an ancient mining technique used to obtain sand for construction purposes. Depending on the natural conditions (strength of the stream, depth of the river etc.), together with the sand miners' physical condition, the material is extracted in metal buckets, either by standing on the river bottom and searching for sand by feet, or, diving up to 3-5 meters deep using a wooden plank with steps. In spite of the physically demanding work, a sand miner's daily salary does not exceed 15-20 US dollars. However, the sand miners are very proud of their profession, valuing their work freedom above all, and usually, as long as their health and strength permit, they keep facing the river stream.

  • A Colombian sand miner dives under the water to extract sand from the bottom of the river La Vieja in Cartago, Colombia, 14 April 2013. Artisanal (unmechanised) sand mining is an ancient mining technique used to obtain sand for construction purposes. Depending on the natural conditions (strength of the stream, depth of the river etc.), together with the sand miners' physical condition, the material is extracted in metal buckets, either by standing on the river bottom and searching for sand by feet, or, diving up to 3-5 meters deep using a wooden plank with steps. In spite of the physically demanding work, a sand miner's daily salary does not exceed 15-20 US dollars. However, the sand miners are very proud of their profession, valuing their work freedom above all, and usually, as long as their health and strength permit, they keep facing the river stream.

  • A Colombian sand miner lifts up a bucket of sand while working in the middle of the river La Vieja in Cartago, Colombia, 8 February 2013. Artisanal (unmechanised) sand mining is an ancient mining technique used to obtain sand for construction purposes. Depending on the natural conditions (strength of the stream, depth of the river etc.), together with the sand miners' physical condition, the material is extracted in metal buckets, either by standing on the river bottom and searching for sand by feet, or, diving up to 3-5 meters deep using a wooden plank with steps. In spite of the physically demanding work, a sand miner's daily salary does not exceed 15-20 US dollars. However, the sand miners are very proud of their profession, valuing their work freedom above all, and usually, as long as their health and strength permit, they keep facing the river stream.

  • Colombian sand miners, using a barge pole, navigate their boats loaded with extracted sand in the river La Vieja in Cartago, Colombia, 8 February 2013. Artisanal (unmechanised) sand mining is an ancient mining technique used to obtain sand for construction purposes. Depending on the natural conditions (strength of the stream, depth of the river etc.), together with the sand miners' physical condition, the material is extracted in metal buckets, either by standing on the river bottom and searching for sand by feet, or, diving up to 3-5 meters deep using a wooden plank with steps. In spite of the physically demanding work, a sand miner's daily salary does not exceed 15-20 US dollars. However, the sand miners are very proud of their profession, valuing their work freedom above all, and usually, as long as their health and strength permit, they keep facing the river stream.

  • A Colombian sand miner bails the water out of the boat anchored in the middle of the river La Vieja in Cartago, Colombia, 14 April 2013. Artisanal (unmechanised) sand mining is an ancient mining technique used to obtain sand for construction purposes. Depending on the natural conditions (strength of the stream, depth of the river etc.), together with the sand miners' physical condition, the material is extracted in metal buckets, either by standing on the river bottom and searching for sand by feet, or, diving up to 3-5 meters deep using a wooden plank with steps. In spite of the physically demanding work, a sand miner's daily salary does not exceed 15-20 US dollars. However, the sand miners are very proud of their profession, valuing their work freedom above all, and usually, as long as their health and strength permit, they keep facing the river stream.

  • A young Colombian sand miner loads the extracted sand into a car on the bank of the river La Vieja in Cartago, Colombia, 13 April 2013. Artisanal (unmechanised) sand mining is an ancient mining technique used to obtain sand for construction purposes. Depending on the natural conditions (strength of the stream, depth of the river etc.), together with the sand miners' physical condition, the material is extracted in metal buckets, either by standing on the river bottom and searching for sand by feet, or, diving up to 3-5 meters deep using a wooden plank with steps. In spite of the physically demanding work, a sand miner's daily salary does not exceed 15-20 US dollars. However, the sand miners are very proud of their profession, valuing their work freedom above all, and usually, as long as their health and strength permit, they keep facing the river stream.

  • A Colombian sand miner dives under the water to extract sand from the bottom of the river La Vieja in Cartago, Colombia, 10 December 2013. Artisanal (unmechanised) sand mining is an ancient mining technique used to obtain sand for construction purposes. Depending on the natural conditions (strength of the stream, depth of the river etc.), together with the sand miners' physical condition, the material is extracted in metal buckets, either by standing on the river bottom and searching for sand by feet, or, diving up to 3-5 meters deep using a wooden plank with steps. In spite of the physically demanding work, a sand miner's daily salary does not exceed 15-20 US dollars. However, the sand miners are very proud of their profession, valuing their work freedom above all, and usually, as long as their health and strength permit, they keep facing the river stream.

  • A Colombian sand miner, using a barge pole, navigates his boat loaded with extracted sand in the river La Vieja in Cartago, Colombia, 13 April 2013. Artisanal (unmechanised) sand mining is an ancient mining technique used to obtain sand for construction purposes. Depending on the natural conditions (strength of the stream, depth of the river etc.), together with the sand miners' physical condition, the material is extracted in metal buckets, either by standing on the river bottom and searching for sand by feet, or, diving up to 3-5 meters deep using a wooden plank with steps. In spite of the physically demanding work, a sand miner's daily salary does not exceed 15-20 US dollars. However, the sand miners are very proud of their profession, valuing their work freedom above all, and usually, as long as their health and strength permit, they keep facing the river stream.

  • A Colombian sand miner loads the extracted sand into a car on the bank of the river La Vieja in Cartago, Colombia, 8 February 2013. Artisanal (unmechanised) sand mining is an ancient mining technique used to obtain sand for construction purposes. Depending on the natural conditions (strength of the stream, depth of the river etc.), together with the sand miners' physical condition, the material is extracted in metal buckets, either by standing on the river bottom and searching for sand by feet, or, diving up to 3-5 meters deep using a wooden plank with steps. In spite of the physically demanding work, a sand miner's daily salary does not exceed 15-20 US dollars. However, the sand miners are very proud of their profession, valuing their work freedom above all, and usually, as long as their health and strength permit, they keep facing the river stream.

  • Colombian sand miners cross the river Magdalena in a boat fully loaded with the extracted sand, in Puerto Berrío, Colombia, 3 February 2013. Artisanal (unmechanised) sand mining is an ancient mining technique used to obtain sand for construction purposes. Depending on the natural conditions (strength of the stream, depth of the river etc.), together with the sand miners' physical condition, the material is extracted in metal buckets, either by standing on the river bottom and searching for sand by feet, or, diving up to 3-5 meters deep using a wooden plank with steps. In spite of the physically demanding work, a sand miner's daily salary does not exceed 15-20 US dollars. However, the sand miners are very proud of their profession, valuing their work freedom above all, and usually, as long as their health and strength permit, they keep facing the river stream.

  • A young Colombian sand miner loads the extracted sand into a car on the bank of the river La Vieja in Cartago, Colombia, 13 April 2013. Artisanal (unmechanised) sand mining is an ancient mining technique used to obtain sand for construction purposes. Depending on the natural conditions (strength of the stream, depth of the river etc.), together with the sand miners' physical condition, the material is extracted in metal buckets, either by standing on the river bottom and searching for sand by feet, or, diving up to 3-5 meters deep using a wooden plank with steps. In spite of the physically demanding work, a sand miner's daily salary does not exceed 15-20 US dollars. However, the sand miners are very proud of their profession, valuing their work freedom above all, and usually, as long as their health and strength permit, they keep facing the river stream.

  • A Colombian sand miner dives under the water to extract sand from the bottom of the river La Vieja in Cartago, Colombia, 14 April 2013. Artisanal (unmechanised) sand mining is an ancient mining technique used to obtain sand for construction purposes. Depending on the natural conditions (strength of the stream, depth of the river etc.), together with the sand miners' physical condition, the material is extracted in metal buckets, either by standing on the river bottom and searching for sand by feet, or, diving up to 3-5 meters deep using a wooden plank with steps. In spite of the physically demanding work, a sand miner's daily salary does not exceed 15-20 US dollars. However, the sand miners are very proud of their profession, valuing their work freedom above all, and usually, as long as their health and strength permit, they keep facing the river stream.

  • A Colombian sand miner bails the water out of the boat anchored in the middle of the river La Vieja in Cartago, Colombia, 10 December 2013. Artisanal (unmechanised) sand mining is an ancient mining technique used to obtain sand for construction purposes. Depending on the natural conditions (strength of the stream, depth of the river etc.), together with the sand miners' physical condition, the material is extracted in metal buckets, either by standing on the river bottom and searching for sand by feet, or, diving up to 3-5 meters deep using a wooden plank with steps. In spite of the physically demanding work, a sand miner's daily salary does not exceed 15-20 US dollars. However, the sand miners are very proud of their profession, valuing their work freedom above all, and usually, as long as their health and strength permit, they keep facing the river stream.

  • A Colombian sand miner holds the boat while diving under the water to extract sand from the bottom of the river La Vieja in Cartago, Colombia, 10 December 2013. Artisanal (unmechanised) sand mining is an ancient mining technique used to obtain sand for construction purposes. Depending on the natural conditions (strength of the stream, depth of the river etc.), together with the sand miners' physical condition, the material is extracted in metal buckets, either by standing on the river bottom and searching for sand by feet, or, diving up to 3-5 meters deep using a wooden plank with steps. In spite of the physically demanding work, a sand miner's daily salary does not exceed 15-20 US dollars. However, the sand miners are very proud of their profession, valuing their work freedom above all, and usually, as long as their health and strength permit, they keep facing the river stream.

  • A Colombian sand miner, using a barge pole, navigates his boat in the river La Vieja in Cartago, Colombia, 13 April 2013. Artisanal (unmechanised) sand mining is an ancient mining technique used to obtain sand for construction purposes. Depending on the natural conditions (strength of the stream, depth of the river etc.), together with the sand miners' physical condition, the material is extracted in metal buckets, either by standing on the river bottom and searching for sand by feet, or, diving up to 3-5 meters deep using a wooden plank with steps. In spite of the physically demanding work, a sand miner's daily salary does not exceed 15-20 US dollars. However, the sand miners are very proud of their profession, valuing their work freedom above all, and usually, as long as their health and strength permit, they keep facing the river stream.

  • A Colombian sand miner holds the boat while diving under the water to extract sand from the bottom of the river La Vieja in Cartago, Colombia, 8 February 2013. Artisanal (unmechanised) sand mining is an ancient mining technique used to obtain sand for construction purposes. Depending on the natural conditions (strength of the stream, depth of the river etc.), together with the sand miners' physical condition, the material is extracted in metal buckets, either by standing on the river bottom and searching for sand by feet, or, diving up to 3-5 meters deep using a wooden plank with steps. In spite of the physically demanding work, a sand miner's daily salary does not exceed 15-20 US dollars. However, the sand miners are very proud of their profession, valuing their work freedom above all, and usually, as long as their health and strength permit, they keep facing the river stream.

  • Colombian sand miners clean a wheelbarrow with a bucket of water on the bank of the river Magdalena in Puerto Berrío, Colombia, 3 February 2013. Artisanal (unmechanised) sand mining is an ancient mining technique used to obtain sand for construction purposes. Depending on the natural conditions (strength of the stream, depth of the river etc.), together with the sand miners' physical condition, the material is extracted in metal buckets, either by standing on the river bottom and searching for sand by feet, or, diving up to 3-5 meters deep using a wooden plank with steps. In spite of the physically demanding work, a sand miner's daily salary does not exceed 15-20 US dollars. However, the sand miners are very proud of their profession, valuing their work freedom above all, and usually, as long as their health and strength permit, they keep facing the river stream.

  • A Colombian sand miner, using a barge pole, navigates his boat in the river La Vieja in Cartago, Colombia, 14 April 2013. Artisanal (unmechanised) sand mining is an ancient mining technique used to obtain sand for construction purposes. Depending on the natural conditions (strength of the stream, depth of the river etc.), together with the sand miners' physical condition, the material is extracted in metal buckets, either by standing on the river bottom and searching for sand by feet, or, diving up to 3-5 meters deep using a wooden plank with steps. In spite of the physically demanding work, a sand miner's daily salary does not exceed 15-20 US dollars. However, the sand miners are very proud of their profession, valuing their work freedom above all, and usually, as long as their health and strength permit, they keep facing the river stream.

  • A Colombian sand miner, using a barge pole, navigates his boat in the river La Vieja in Cartago, Colombia, 13 April 2013. Artisanal (unmechanised) sand mining is an ancient mining technique used to obtain sand for construction purposes. Depending on the natural conditions (strength of the stream, depth of the river etc.), together with the sand miners' physical condition, the material is extracted in metal buckets, either by standing on the river bottom and searching for sand by feet, or, diving up to 3-5 meters deep using a wooden plank with steps. In spite of the physically demanding work, a sand miner's daily salary does not exceed 15-20 US dollars. However, the sand miners are very proud of their profession, valuing their work freedom above all, and usually, as long as their health and strength permit, they keep facing the river stream.

  • A Colombian sand miner rolls up a marijuana joint while crossing the river Magdalena in Puerto Berrío, Colombia, 3 February 2013. Artisanal (unmechanised) sand mining is an ancient mining technique used to obtain sand for construction purposes. Depending on the natural conditions (strength of the stream, depth of the river etc.), together with the sand miners' physical condition, the material is extracted in metal buckets, either by standing on the river bottom and searching for sand by feet, or, diving up to 3-5 meters deep using a wooden plank with steps. In spite of the physically demanding work, a sand miner's daily salary does not exceed 15-20 US dollars. However, the sand miners are very proud of their profession, valuing their work freedom above all, and usually, as long as their health and strength permit, they keep facing the river stream.

  • Colombian sand miners unload buckets full of sand into their boats anchored in the middle of the river La Vieja in Cartago, Colombia, 8 February 2013. Artisanal (unmechanised) sand mining is an ancient mining technique used to obtain sand for construction purposes. Depending on the natural conditions (strength of the stream, depth of the river etc.), together with the sand miners' physical condition, the material is extracted in metal buckets, either by standing on the river bottom and searching for sand by feet, or, diving up to 3-5 meters deep using a wooden plank with steps. In spite of the physically demanding work, a sand miner's daily salary does not exceed 15-20 US dollars. However, the sand miners are very proud of their profession, valuing their work freedom above all, and usually, as long as their health and strength permit, they keep facing the river stream.

  • A Colombian sand miner sifts the gravel extracted from the bottom of the river La Vieja in Cartago, Colombia, 15 April 2013. Artisanal (unmechanised) sand mining is an ancient mining technique used to obtain sand for construction purposes. Depending on the natural conditions (strength of the stream, depth of the river etc.), together with the sand miners' physical condition, the material is extracted in metal buckets, either by standing on the river bottom and searching for sand by feet, or, diving up to 3-5 meters deep using a wooden plank with steps. In spite of the physically demanding work, a sand miner's daily salary does not exceed 15-20 US dollars. However, the sand miners are very proud of their profession, valuing their work freedom above all, and usually, as long as their health and strength permit, they keep facing the river stream.

  • A Colombian sand miner unloads the extracted sand from his boat on the bank of the river La Vieja in Cartago, Colombia, 9 February 2013. Artisanal (unmechanised) sand mining is an ancient mining technique used to obtain sand for construction purposes. Depending on the natural conditions (strength of the stream, depth of the river etc.), together with the sand miners' physical condition, the material is extracted in metal buckets, either by standing on the river bottom and searching for sand by feet, or, diving up to 3-5 meters deep using a wooden plank with steps. In spite of the physically demanding work, a sand miner's daily salary does not exceed 15-20 US dollars. However, the sand miners are very proud of their profession, valuing their work freedom above all, and usually, as long as their health and strength permit, they keep facing the river stream.

  • A Colombian sand miner, using a wheelbarrow, unloads sand from the boat on the bank of the river Magdalena in Puerto Berrío, Colombia, 3 February 2013. Artisanal (unmechanised) sand mining is an ancient mining technique used to obtain sand for construction purposes. Depending on the natural conditions (strength of the stream, depth of the river etc.), together with the sand miners' physical condition, the material is extracted in metal buckets, either by standing on the river bottom and searching for sand by feet, or, diving up to 3-5 meters deep using a wooden plank with steps. In spite of the physically demanding work, a sand miner's daily salary does not exceed 15-20 US dollars. However, the sand miners are very proud of their profession, valuing their work freedom above all, and usually, as long as their health and strength permit, they keep facing the river stream.

  • A Colombian sand miner dives under the water to extract sand from the bottom of the river La Vieja in Cartago, Colombia, 9 February 2013. Artisanal (unmechanised) sand mining is an ancient mining technique used to obtain sand for construction purposes. Depending on the natural conditions (strength of the stream, depth of the river etc.), together with the sand miners' physical condition, the material is extracted in metal buckets, either by standing on the river bottom and searching for sand by feet, or, diving up to 3-5 meters deep using a wooden plank with steps. In spite of the physically demanding work, a sand miner's daily salary does not exceed 15-20 US dollars. However, the sand miners are very proud of their profession, valuing their work freedom above all, and usually, as long as their health and strength permit, they keep facing the river stream.

  • A Colombian sand miner unloads a bucket full of sand into his boat anchored in the middle of the river La Vieja in Cartago, Colombia, 15 April 2013. Artisanal (unmechanised) sand mining is an ancient mining technique used to obtain sand for construction purposes. Depending on the natural conditions (strength of the stream, depth of the river etc.), together with the sand miners' physical condition, the material is extracted in metal buckets, either by standing on the river bottom and searching for sand by feet, or, diving up to 3-5 meters deep using a wooden plank with steps. In spite of the physically demanding work, a sand miner's daily salary does not exceed 15-20 US dollars. However, the sand miners are very proud of their profession, valuing their work freedom above all, and usually, as long as their health and strength permit, they keep facing the river stream.

  • Colombian sand miners, using a wheelbarrow, unload sand from the boat on the bank of the river Magdalena in Puerto Berrío, Colombia, 3 February 2013. Artisanal (unmechanised) sand mining is an ancient mining technique used to obtain sand for construction purposes. Depending on the natural conditions (strength of the stream, depth of the river etc.), together with the sand miners' physical condition, the material is extracted in metal buckets, either by standing on the river bottom and searching for sand by feet, or, diving up to 3-5 meters deep using a wooden plank with steps. In spite of the physically demanding work, a sand miner's daily salary does not exceed 15-20 US dollars. However, the sand miners are very proud of their profession, valuing their work freedom above all, and usually, as long as their health and strength permit, they keep facing the river stream.

  • Colombian sand miner load the extracted sand into a car on the bank of the river La Vieja in Cartago, Colombia, 8 February 2013. Artisanal (unmechanised) sand mining is an ancient mining technique used to obtain sand for construction purposes. Depending on the natural conditions (strength of the stream, depth of the river etc.), together with the sand miners' physical condition, the material is extracted in metal buckets, either by standing on the river bottom and searching for sand by feet, or, diving up to 3-5 meters deep using a wooden plank with steps. In spite of the physically demanding work, a sand miner's daily salary does not exceed 15-20 US dollars. However, the sand miners are very proud of their profession, valuing their work freedom above all, and usually, as long as their health and strength permit, they keep facing the river stream.

  • A Colombian sand miner with his son unload a bucket full of gravel into their boat anchored in the middle of the river La Vieja in Cartago, Colombia, 8 February 2013. Artisanal (unmechanised) sand mining is an ancient mining technique used to obtain sand for construction purposes. Depending on the natural conditions (strength of the stream, depth of the river etc.), together with the sand miners' physical condition, the material is extracted in metal buckets, either by standing on the river bottom and searching for sand by feet, or, diving up to 3-5 meters deep using a wooden plank with steps. In spite of the physically demanding work, a sand miner's daily salary does not exceed 15-20 US dollars. However, the sand miners are very proud of their profession, valuing their work freedom above all, and usually, as long as their health and strength permit, they keep facing the river stream.

  • A Colombian sand miner bails the water out of the boat anchored close to the bank of the river La Vieja in Cartago, Colombia, 10 December 2013. Artisanal (unmechanised) sand mining is an ancient mining technique used to obtain sand for construction purposes. Depending on the natural conditions (strength of the stream, depth of the river etc.), together with the sand miners' physical condition, the material is extracted in metal buckets, either by standing on the river bottom and searching for sand by feet, or, diving up to 3-5 meters deep using a wooden plank with steps. In spite of the physically demanding work, a sand miner's daily salary does not exceed 15-20 US dollars. However, the sand miners are very proud of their profession, valuing their work freedom above all, and usually, as long as their health and strength permit, they keep facing the river stream.