Sulfur and Salt Miners

Two documentary works are on display here. Please read the synopsis at the end of this page.

 
 
  • Sulfur Miners — Sulfur mining has taken place at Kawah Ijen, Java, Indonesia, since 1968. The volcano is famous for the striking blue glow it emits from the combustion of sulfuric gases. About 300 miners make a daily climb three quilometres up the crater, then head downward more than one quilometer into the volcano, where the sulfur crystals form. Most work without any protection in darkness and stifling heat, while breathing the gases that burns their lungs and makes their eyes cry. Joel has been documenting these miners since 2005.

  • Salt Miners — unforgiving temperatures of up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit beat down on these hardworking salt miners every single day. The salt mines, situated in the Afar triangle stretch, Ethiopia, across 100,000 square kilometres and at their lowest point are more than 300 feet below sea level. Joel has documented these miners since 2015.

 

Photos can be purchased for printing and/or licensing. Please contact for inquires. Check Terms and Conditions. All images © Joel Santos

 

why not take a look at these videos?

Unforgiving temperatures of up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit beat down on these hardworking salt miners every single day. The salt mines, situated in the Afar triangle, stretch across 100,000 square kilometres and at their lowest point are more than 300 feet below sea level.

These fiery images offer a glimpse inside the 'Gateway To Hell' - the world's oldest continuously active lava lake. Travel photographer Joel Santos piloted a drone low over the bubbling lake, which reaches temperatures exceeding 1,100 degrees celsius.