# Sulfur Miner Photography Davide De Conti Captures the Backbreaking Labor of Sulfur Miners By David Ingram | Published 2015-09-11 | Updated 2015-09-17 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/backbreaking-labor References: [mymodernmet](http://www.mymodernmet.com/profiles/blogs/davide-de-conti-the-quest-for-poors-gold?utm_source=feedly&utm_medium=webfeeds) & [behance.net](https://www.behance.net/gallery/29300471/The-quest-for-poors-gold) This photoseries by Italian photographer Davide De Conti captures the backbreaking labor and determined dedication of Indonesian sulfur miners. The dangerous and tiring job of yellow sulfur mining is put on full display for Conti's latest project 'The Quest for Poor's Gold.' These Indonesian miners were photographed by a beautiful but highly acidic lake at the foot of an active volcano in Eastern Java. Each of the miners must perform daily backbreaking labor by collecting heavy loads of sulfur that must then be hauled up to the top of a crater by hand. The life of an Indonesian sulfur miner certainly isn't easy. The average life expectancy for this occupation is only 50 years of age, but to provide a better life for their families, these miners are willing to withstand toxic fumes with little to no protection just to make $12 dollars per day. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.5/10 - Popularity: 18% | Activity: 18% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Photography](https://www.trendhunter.com/stylephotography) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Labor Safety Standards:** Opportunity to develop and improve safety equipment and regulations for sulfur miners. - **Sustainability Practices:** Opportunity to explore sustainable and less harmful alternative sulfur mining practices. - **Automation and Robotics:** Opportunity to develop technology and automation solutions to reduce human labor and improve miner safety. ### Who This Affects Most - **Mining:** Opportunity for mining companies to invest in and improve safety equipment, regulations, and sustainable practices for sulfur mining. - **Technology:** Opportunity for technology companies to develop automation and robotics solutions to reduce the need for human labor and improve sulfur miner safety. - **Environmental Conservation:** Opportunity for environmental organizations to advocate for sustainable sulfur mining practices and for companies to invest in such practices. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Volcanic Lighting Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lighting-installation.md) - [Volcanic-Themed Light Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stone-archive.md) - [Dramatic Doomsday Bunker Images](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alastair-philip-wiper.md) - [Sulfur-Infused Skincare Pads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/watery-sulfur-spot-pads.md) - [Miner-Friendly Safety Boots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/safety-boots.md) - [Soothing Sulfur Serums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/watery-sulfur-soothing-serum.md) - [Transformed Mining Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mineless-heritage-restoration.md) - [Sulfuric Cleansing Powders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/watery-sulfur-pore-cleansing-powder.md) - [Cave-Inspired Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cave-bureau.md)