Inside the tunnel of gold in Diwalwal, Davao De Oro

Summary

The video script details a journey to the Golden Mountain in the Philippines, once a significant gold mining site. It explores the life of miners, their struggles, and the environmental impact of mining, including water pollution from mercury and landslides. The narrator encounters locals relying on mining for livelihood, despite the risks and harsh conditions. The script also describes the arduous process of extracting gold, the use of tunnels, and the miners' resilience in the face of natural disasters like the 2009 typhoon and earthquakes.

Takeaways

• 🏔️ The script describes the life of miners in the gold-rich Mount Diwata in the Philippines.
• 👷‍♂️ Miners extract gold by chipping away at the mountain until they find gold deposits.
• 🗺️ The narrator visited a once prosperous gold mining area in Davao de Oro, now a shadow of its former self.
• 🚍 Access to the mining area is difficult and often requires riding a habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) due to the rough terrain.
• 🏠 The mining community has grown, with many residents relying on mining for their livelihood.
• ⛏️ The process of mining is arduous and involves using various tools and techniques to extract gold from the mountain.
• 💧 Pollution from mining activities has contaminated the water with dangerous chemicals like Mercury, affecting the Nobo River.
• 🌪️ The area has faced natural disasters like landslides and typhoons, such as Typhoon Pablo in 2009, which caused significant damage.
• 🛤️ The mining tunnels are dark and require safety equipment like helmets and flashlights for navigation.
• 💰 The value of gold extracted can vary greatly, with some pieces being small but still valuable, while others are larger but not as profitable.
• ⏳ The mining process is time-consuming, with some miners spending years in the pursuit of finding gold.

Q & A

What is the name of the mountain mentioned in the script?

The mountain mentioned in the script is referred to as 'Bundok ng Ginto' or 'Golden Mountain', which is also called Mount Dewata.

What is the primary activity of the people living in the area around Mount Dewata?

The primary activity of the people living around Mount Dewata is gold mining.

What challenges do the miners face in their daily work?

Miners face challenges such as difficult access to the mining areas, pollution from dangerous chemicals like Mercury, and the risk of landslides and floods, as well as the physical toll of the work.

What is the significance of the 'diwalwal' mentioned in the script?

Diwalwal refers to a gold-rich area that the narrator plans to visit, which is known for its gold deposits.

Why is the narrator traveling to Davao de Oro?

The narrator is traveling to Davao de Oro to explore and understand the life of miners and the mining conditions in the area.

What mode of transportation does the narrator use to reach the mining area?

The narrator uses a 'habal-habal', a local motorcycle taxi, to reach the remote mining area.

What is the environmental impact of the mining activities mentioned in the script?

The mining activities have led to water pollution due to the use of dangerous chemicals like Mercury, and have resulted in the pollution of the Nobo River, which is a primary water source for the community.

What safety measures do the miners take when entering the mines?

Miners are advised to wear helmets and use flashlights due to the dark and potentially dangerous conditions inside the mines.

What is the process like for miners to extract gold from the mined rocks?

The process involves chipping away at the rocks until gold is found, which can be a time-consuming and labor-intensive task. Once gold is identified, it goes through further processing, including grinding and washing to extract the gold particles.

What is the significance of the 'sample' mentioned in the script?

The 'sample' refers to a small portion of ore that is taken for testing to determine the presence and quality of gold. It is a crucial step in the mining process to assess the value of the mined material.

How long does it take for miners to find gold and what is the financial gain from it?

It can take miners up to six months or more to find gold. The financial gain can vary, but the script mentions that a small sample can yield a profit of around 400 PHP, indicating the potential but also the uncertainty and risk involved in mining.