In East Java, Indonesia, hundreds of miners risk their lives to extract what they call “devil’s gold” from the mouth of an active volcano, enduring extremely harsh working conditions.
They face daily dangers and toxic sulfur fumes to obtain this substance known as “devil’s gold“. But why do they accept such risks to harvest this volcanic material?
In this article, we will seek answers as we explore Mount Ijen, a volcanic complex located on the border of Banyuwangi and Bondowoso districts in East Java.
Mining Gold at the Volcano – One of the World’s Most Dangerous Jobs
Here, each miner is equipped with very basic tools. The only protection against the toxic fumes emitted by the volcano is a gas mask. Their clothing is nothing special.
Miner’s clothing. (Photo: Caters News Agency)
They use a long pole to poke into the hardened “gold” that has flowed from cracks in the earth. Afterwards, they carry over 90 kg of this material on a shoulder pole across steep and dangerous terrain back to processing areas.
Due to the dangerous nature of the work, very few miners live beyond the age of 50. Yet the local people do not abandon this job, as one miner named Mistar, who has worked here for 30 years, shared that they fear hunger more than toxic gases.
For one of the most remote areas of Indonesia, this job offers significant value. Each miner earns between $12 to $17 per day (approximately 276,000 to 390,000 VND daily, paid by PT. Candi Ngrimbi).
Miners extracting “gold” at the volcano. (Photo: Caters News Agency)
However, to earn this money, they must wake up between 1 to 2 AM and walk over 3 km to the summit of the volcano or push a cart up. They then descend over 300 meters into the crater to reach their workplace.
Temperatures here can reach up to 38 degrees Celsius. Additionally, they often have to walk close to the edge of the volcanic lake, where toxic gases (SO2, H2S, CO2, etc.) are present. The acidity of the lake is equivalent to that of battery acid (pH=0.3), making it very dangerous to slip and fall into the lake.
Harsh working conditions. (Photo: Caters News Agency)
According to Mistar, if the water from the lake comes into contact with your mouth or teeth, you could lose teeth, and it is even more dangerous if ingested. Toxic gases come from two sources: from the lake at the volcano’s summit and from the vents deep within the volcano.
Many miners do not even have gas masks or protective gloves. Mistar mentioned that those working here often feel fatigued, suffer from stomach pains, and have persistent coughs.
What is ‘Devil’s Gold’ Used For?
The “devil’s gold” is mined for sulfur. This sulfur is not mixed with sand and is much purer compared to sulfur extracted from oil and gas sources (98%). It is used for various purposes.
Miners and tourists. (Photo: Caters News Agency)
Sulfur is used to produce matches, fireworks, gunpowder, detergents, paper, batteries, to whiten sugar, fertilizers, to make rubber, or even for brewing alcohol…
Today, sulfur extraction as described above only exists at Mount Ijen. One reason for its continued existence is tourism. Many people are drawn to this place to take photos, see the blue gas emitted from the volcano, or observe the miners at work.
