This reportage documents sulfur mining at the volcanic crater of Kawah Ijen in Indonesia, where workers extract solid sulfur deposits formed by volcanic gases.

Mining takes place in hazardous conditions, with continuous exposure to toxic fumes and extreme terrain. The work poses significant health risks, particularly to the respiratory system. Sulfur is broken manually from fumarole vents and carried out of the crater in loads that can reach up to 100 kilograms. Miners typically complete two trips per day, working with minimal protective equipment. Workers are typically paid per load, with daily earnings ranging between 10 and 15 USD. An estimated 200 to 300 miners work at the site on a rotating basis.

Despite the severity of the conditions, the process remains almost entirely manual. The steep and unstable volcanic environment, combined with corrosive gases and limited infrastructure, makes the use of machinery difficult. At the same time, low labor costs make mechanization economically unviable, reinforcing reliance on human labor.