The tin mines of Bangka provide the raw material for the metal used in soft drink cans and solders coating and also for the computer chips. To meet the increasing demand for the metal, the miners have dug deep into the earth in search of the ore.
And the result — The coconut palms on the Indonesian island of Bangka’s tropical beaches are left devastated. The mining has created deep craters — as big as football fields – pock-marking the land. The craters, smaller in size, are filled with turquoise water glittering deceptively in the tropical sun. This water is highly acidic.
Besides, the villagers are already battling with malaria, with constantly facing the risks of drowning and landslide-accidents.
The silvery and malleable metal is traded on the London Metal Exchange and its tight global supplies have propelled the price to a record high above $14,000 a tonne!
Suhandri, a 49-year-old father of five and one in search of ore said,
I don’t have money to start a business. I didn’t even finish school. Tell me what else I can do?