Watch Mobile Gold - VPRO Backlight

Mobile Gold is a documentary film produced by VPRO Backlight that takes the viewers into the murky and often dangerous world of gold mining. The film concentrates on the illegal and highly unregulated gold mining sector in West Africa, which is responsible for 20% of the world's global precious metal output. The film is a portrayal of the human cost of cheap gold production and the relentless quest for profit that drives the industry. The documentary is set in several African countries, including Ghana, Mali, Senegal, and Burkina Faso, where the gold mining is taking place. The director, Nirit Peled, attempts to uncover the brutal reality of the gold trade through interviews with people on the ground, including small-scale miners, traders, and government officials.

The documentary highlights the adverse effects of gold mining on the environment and the health of the indigenous population. Aerial footage shows the widespread devastation of vast areas of forest and soil erosion, while the ground-level scenes portray miners working tirelessly in hazardous conditions. The film also brings attention to the health risks caused by the mercury used in the gold extraction process, which is responsible for poisoning the ecosystem and the miners. The film is a wake-up call for policymakers, consumers, and the industry to introduce reforms and practices that are ethical, sustainable, and responsible.

Mobile Gold captures the reality of the harsh living and working conditions faced by the West African miners. The film shows how the miners, many of whom are children, work in extremely dangerous conditions and have to pay bribes to local officials to access the mines. The interviews with the miners shed light on the low-income earned by those working in the mines, and the lack of opportunities to do anything else to make a living.

The film also tackles the illegal trafficking of gold that fuels conflicts within West Africa. The director shows how, in some cases, the gold has become the currency of war, often financing rebels and financing militias who have been responsible for killing and raping civilians. The documentary is a call for global action on the issue of illegal gold trafficking and its role in fuelling conflict.

The film raises several questions about the morality, legality, and ethics of the gold trade. It questions if it is possible for the industry to produce ethical gold and create a livable wage for the miners, as well as sustainable and responsible mining practices. The film also questions the role of governments, corporations, and consumers in enabling the trade of illegal gold and calls for greater regulation.

The film is artistically shot, with stunning visuals, aerial shots of the mines, and close ups of the people involved in the trade. The use of music and sound effects also enhances the overall experience of the documentary. The director balances the seriousness and gravity of the situation with moments of hope, and the film is a testament to the resilience and spirit of the people who live in these mining communities.

In conclusion, Mobile Gold is a must-see documentary on the reality of the unregulated and illegal gold mining industry in West Africa. It offers a frightening insight into the human and environmental cost of the industry and highlights the urgent need for global action. The film is a call to action for governments, consumers, and the industry to introduce fair, ethical, and sustainable practices that will help stop the exploitation of people and the environment.