60 meters deep, the coal mines of Nalaikh

In Mongolia, winter is known as a time of suffering. Coal is necessary for survival in the winter months because electricity is oftentimes too expensive. With temperatures dipping below -40 Celsius, coal-powered stoves are a cheap and effective way to warm homes, cook meals, and do many daily tasks. A small town on the outskirts of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, called Nalaikh provides the city with 75 percent of the coal burned within homes. However, with the introduction of a new bill into the government. There is a chance that the 97-year-old tradition of mining in this area will cease to exist.

            The area of Naliakh used to be an old soviet owned coal mine that opened in 1922 which ran until the 1990’s when the soviet- backed state stopped paying the miners. When the soviets left many miners were left without any option but to continue mining so they could provide for their families. Now, years later, there exist 200 active mines beneath the ground of which only 26 are fully authorized by the government. Reports estimate that around 100 die in these primitive mines every year, but miners say that they believe that number is much higher. “Miners die easily in the mountain, accidents occur often in the mine,” an anonymous miner confessed. With the promise of higher than average wages, so long as coal is found. Many former nomads and impoverished mongolians jump at this opportunity, no matter the consequences.

            Coal that comes from the mines is usually very low quality and highly detrimental to the overall air quality of the city. It is sold in 15kg yellow bags for around 2000 tugriks (US$1.10). More than 750,000 people heat their gears- small traditional Mongolian nomadic tents-  with 50kg of coal a day in the winter. Every day in the winter exceeds what is considered safe breathing conditions by the WHO. When faced with either freezing or burning coal they know is unsafe, many Mongolians are left with no option.