The Daily Saga of Artisanal Coal Miners

Livelihood patterns, and human perseverance in work locations are sometimes informed by impending risks. Artisanal Mining activity is one such livelihood domain, still practised in a few areas across the globe. The guiding intention in the current portfolio is to focus on the challenging nature of mining activity in the Singareni Coal Mines of South India. Patience, utmost care, eternal vigilance and forbearance are the hall marks of underground mining work. Harshness of the activity and hard work of the miners are less known. The present documentary aims to capture miners’ life deep inside the mines. The portfolio is set against the background of individual’s endurance and delicate facets of employment. Mining as a form of livelihood oscillates between human needs and precarious deeds. Embedded in the effort are two major considerations: telling portrayal of miners’ daily life, and shedding light on grey shades of the exacting work conditions.