SubscribePure Gold?
The English charity CAFOD (the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development) recently sent photojournalist Richard Wainwright to Ituri in the the Democratic Republic of Congo to document the politics, violence, and poverty surrounding gold mining. BBC News is displaying some of the photos, and they are also part of CAFOD’s “Pure Gold?” exhibition portraying the gold mining industry around the world. The organization hopes to bring attention to the poor and poverty stricken miners who labor in dangerous situations, ultimately receiving none of the final value of the gold they mine. The mining also results in local water sources becoming extremely polluted, nearby indigenous populations being relocated, and disruptions to local economies.
Magical Places Fine Art interviewed Wainwright about his trip. Wainwright gives some insight into his photographic techniques as well as some of the challenges associated with documenting a difficult story.
When you’re sweating profusely and stuck thigh deep in mud looking up at ‘fellow miners’ grinning away after telling you it is safe to cross a mud pit you realize you have made some sort of connection. I met incredibly articulate miners who told me about their lives and how war, corruption and gold has decimated their lives.
Check out some of the photos on CAFOD’s “Pure Gold?” website and on BBC News.
