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RTDoc features original series and films on the most intriguing cultural, historical, environmental and human interest stories from around the world, as well as exclusive documentaries about Russia, produced in-house by RT.
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Gold mining in the Philippines

The Philippines banned compressor mining in 2012 but crews still operate as people have no other way of making a living. Miners risk their health on a daily basis spending hours submerged in water which is often contaminated. Divers use a hose attached to a homemade compressor to breathe, meaning the air they use is often polluted with carbon monoxide and diesel fumes. The miners’ greatest fear is the air flow being blocked or a tunnel caving in. When processing the gold, miners use mercury which is highly toxic and can cause brain damage.

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Добавить в избранное Funeral of a miner in the Philippines. 360 video 2:40 1 Funeral procession in Jose Panganiban for a 33 year old miner who died from tuberculosis after decades of mercury inhalation and exposure to contaminated water and soil. His family knew his job was dangerous but it was the only way they could make money. They have friends who are ‘in the same boat, waiting for death’.

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Добавить в избранное Underwater Mining in 360 02:00 1 Compressor mining is a highly dangerous activity in which miners dive 30 feet underwater using only a plastic tube to breathe. Some stuff their ears with cotton and wear masks to protect their eyes. When they reach the bottom of the pit they dig out the earth and place it into rice sacks, which are hoisted to the surface for sifting. Divers get paid twice the amount of other workers.

Добавить в избранное Mines in the Philippines are deadly mud traps. 360 video 9:09 Explore the Philippines’ deadly underwater gold mines. Here, locals dive 30 feet deep into muddy water in the hope of finding gold so they can feed their families. Our crew visited the gold town of Paracale in the coastal province of Camarines Nortes to find out how it works.

Добавить в избранное Cleanup Operation in preparation for Paracale mayor's birthday. 360 video 1:30 Paracalenos celebrate their mayor’s birthday with a beach cleanup operation. Their hope is to attract more tourists in their quest to find alternative sources of income to gold mining. Mayor Lourdes Villamonte Briguera aka ‘Mayor Baby’ is urging other officials to help find a way out for her constituents who depend solely on the gold trade, be it legal or illegal.

Добавить в избранное Gold Panning Area in 360 2:00 The earth is panned for gold on the surface. The process involves rotating a pan until the gold sinks to the bottom – one of the cheapest and easiest ways of extracting gold. Kids often start work by helping out in the panning areas before moving on to diving.

Добавить в избранное Illegal gold mines in the Philippines' "Goldtown" in 360 2:36 The Philippines banned compressor mining in 2012 but crews still operate as people have no other way of making a living. Miners risk their health on a daily basis spending hours submerged in water which is often contaminated. Divers use a hose attached to a homemade compressor to breathe, meaning the air they use is often polluted with carbon monoxide and diesel fumes. The miners’ greatest fear is the air flow being blocked or a tunnel caving in. When processing the gold, miners use mercury which is highly toxic and can cause brain damage.