Coal almost forgotten in the mass media in reality is responsible for the 44%of the human energy (twice more important than any other source, like oil, gas or nuclear). It's share is even growing (estimated to reach 48% in 2030). Coal miners are the archetype of the working class, one of the oldest proletariat communities with extreme working conditions having highest level of health and life hazard. The element of sacrifice is "imbedded" in the profession, and inevitably they are closer to saints then most of us. I shot the series at the biggest mine in Europe, which is situated in the eastern Ukraine. Mine is named under Stakhanov - coal miner who in 1935 became the symbol of movement when labour received a status of the heroic deed. After his professional record on 31 of August 1935 and hundreds of other records by other workers in all industries and agriculture the title Hero Of Labour became highest award in Soviet Union - equal to the Hero Of War.
Coal almost forgotten in the mass media in reality is responsible for the 44%of the human energy (twice more important than any other source, like oil, gas or nuclear). It's share is even growing (estimated to reach 48% in 2030). Coal miners are the archetype of the working class, one of the oldest proletariat communities with extreme working conditions having highest level of health and life hazard. The element of sacrifice is "imbedded" in the profession, and inevitably they are closer to saints then most of us. I shot the series at the biggest mine in Europe, which is situated in the eastern Ukraine. Mine is named under Stakhanov - coal miner who in 1935 became the symbol of movement when labour received a status of the heroic deed. After his professional record on 31 of August 1935 and hundreds of other records by other workers in all industries and agriculture the title Hero Of Labour became highest award in Soviet Union - equal to the Hero Of War.