Did you know gold is mined on every continent except Antarctica? Gold mining is a heavily industrialized and global industry. Large corporations are producing about 2,500 tonnes of gold per annum, or 90% of the annual global gold production.

Nevertheless, 90% of employment is created by small-scale or artisanal mining communities. This means that approximately 20 million miners worldwide, or over 150 million people depend on gold mining to make a living.

Artisanal miners capture a significantly smaller price for their output than traders are paid further downstream. Yet, their work equals hard labor, is largely poverty-driven, and stories about child labor are not uncommon.

The issues in mining for gold and other precious minerals like diamonds have been widely reported and discussed: fueling conflict, environmental destruction and irresponsible mercury use to name a few.

This documentary by Nelufar Hedayat has been a true eye-opener.