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South Africa: Mining Coal to Survive

South Africa: Mining Coal to Survive
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In South Africa, survival is increasingly hard to come by for those in poverty. Many miners are risking their lives to dig illegally for coal in long abandoned mines, just to get by. This dangerous practice has recently been exposed in the powerful, award-winning documentary “The End of Coal”.

The documentary follows the stories of miners and families who have resorted to illegally entering long-abandoned mines and digging for coal so they can survive. It delves into the risks these individuals take each day, as they confront danger from flooding tunnels, rock falls, hazardous gases and even black mambas – a deadly species of snake found in the mine shafts.

The documentary also examines the issues surrounding this illegal mining activity and its environmental impact on local communities. As well as mining accidents that directly result in injury or death, it looks at how illegal mining affects the economy in terms of job losses and lack of investment. It shows how local authorities struggle to contain the activity when resources are scarce and villages remain hungry despite government efforts.

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“The End of Coal” provides shocking insight into a desperate situation faced by many across South Africa today. The film serves to highlight both the courage and determination needed to survive this daily battle but also how important it is that something is done about it – both within government circles and through direct action from civil society.

Popular on Amazon
Walthers Cornerstone Series Kit HO Scale New River Mining Company & Accessories
  • Early 1950's style loader
  • Typical of facilities in all parts of the country
  • Includes main building, truck loading facility and conveyors
  • Separate windows and door
  • Illustrated instructions

Viewers will be moved by this powerful story of everyday heroism which must be seen to be believed – one that encourages us to act before time runs out for those living on the edge of poverty and despair. We urge readers to watch “The End Of Coal” – a unique glimpse into a life lived on an invisible edge – as soon as possible.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Walthers Cornerstone Series Kit HO Scale New River Mining Company & Accessories
Walthers Cornerstone Series Kit HO Scale New River Mining Company & Accessories
Early 1950's style loader; Typical of facilities in all parts of the country; Includes main building, truck loading facility and conveyors
$78.39
Bestseller No. 2
Walthers Cornerstone New River Mining Company-Main BLDG: 7 933-3221 N Scale Model Railroad - Structure Kit
Walthers Cornerstone New River Mining Company-Main BLDG: 7 933-3221 N Scale Model Railroad - Structure Kit
Realistic decals; Great for steam or Diesel-Era layouts; Parts molded in appropriate base colors
$58.89
Bestseller No. 5
Woodland Scenics - Mine Run Coal
Woodland Scenics - Mine Run Coal
Ladegüter Gauge H0
$9.76
Also popular on Amazon
Also popular on Amazon
Metal Earth Premium Series Panzer IV Tank 3D Metal Model Kit Fascinations
  • HOBBY MODEL KIT – Unassembled model packed in an envelope with easy to follow instructions. Ideal for ages 14 and up.
  • NO GLUE OR SOLDER NEEDED – Parts can be easily clipped from the metal sheets. Tweezers are the recommended tool for bending and twisting the connection tabs.
  • PREMIUM SERIES PANZER IV TANK - 3 Sheet Model with a challenging difficulty level. Once assembled, dimensions are 5.51 L x 2.52 W x 2.36 H inches. 1:50 Scale.
  • FROM STEEL SHEETS TO 3D – Pop out the pieces and connect using tabs and holes. Includes illustrated instructions
  • HIGHLY DETAILED ETCHED MODEL – Display your 3D model once completed - collect and build them all.
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Adult Geology Kit: Rocks, Minerals, Fossils, Crystals & Shark Teeth
  • PREMIUM GEOLOGICAL COLLECTION: Discover and curate museum-quality, authentic earth specimens with this sophisticated mineralogy set designed exclusively for adult collectors and geology hobbyists.
  • EXPERT-LEVEL SPECIMEN VARIETY: Features an advanced assortment of premium minerals, a meticulously selected fossil variety, and genuine shark teeth specimens alongside a substantial, raw Amethyst druzy centerpiece perfect for display or study.
  • PROFESSIONAL ROCKHOUNDING TOOLS: Equipped with heavy-duty, professional-grade exploration equipment, including our signature 10.5-inch precision sand sifter, ensuring a true hands-on field experience for serious hobbists.
  • SOPHISTICATED DESIGN & DISPLAY: Perfectly suited for adult mineral identification, advanced lapidary study, or as an elegant natural home and office decor display for passionate earth science enthusiasts.
  • COMPLETE EXPLORATION SETUP: Includes a generous 10+ oz premium gemstone mix, 4 oz authentic fossil mix, 15–20 real shark teeth, hand-carved arrowheads, specimen collection bags, and detailed technical documentation for specimen authentication.
Also popular on Amazon
Walthers Cornerstone New River Mining Company-Main BLDG: 7 933-3221 N Scale Model Railroad - Structure Kit
  • Realistic decals
  • Great for steam or Diesel-Era layouts
  • Parts molded in appropriate base colors
  • These are hobby grade products securely packed for protection in shipping
  • Please handle with care when removing from package or breakage could occur
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply. Prices as of November 11, 2026 7:40 pm GMT+0530.
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