Considering Bosnia-Herzegovina's high level of unemployment, it is perhaps not surprising that illegal coal mining is quite widespread in the former Yugoslav republic, which has vast reserves of the fuel not far below the surface. Unofficial miners often risk life and limb to dig for coal with their bare hands and use improvised containers such as old bathtubs to transport it. Given that they sell their bootleg merchandise for around half the price of coal from state mines, they have no problem finding a market for their product. (9 PHOTOS)
Bosnia's Illegal Coal Miners
1
A miner shovels coal for distribution.
2
3
Unhindered by health and safety regulations, there is no problem with having a smoke break in the workplace.
4
5
6
Ad hoc containers such as bathtubs are frequently used to transport the coal.
7
8
9