Toughest Jobs in the World: Cleaning Industrial Plant, Diamond & Gold Mine | Free Documentary

Free Documentary
22 Apr 202040:51
EducationalLearning
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TLDRThis video script offers a deep dive into the world of extreme industrial cleaning and mining, showcasing the massive efforts behind maintaining a coal-fired power plant and the grueling work of miners in pursuit of diamonds in Siberia and gold in Peru. From the innovative mega vacuum cleaner tackling massive dirt accumulations to the high-stakes, chance-based gold mining where miners toil for a month without pay for a shot at unearthing a life-changing discovery, the script captures the essence of human perseverance and ingenuity against the backdrop of harsh conditions and complex machinery.

Takeaways
  • πŸ”₯ The power plant near Halle operates 24/7, supplying electricity to about two million households, and requires heavy maintenance to keep running, including the use of a 'mega vacuum cleaner' for cleaning tasks.
  • πŸš‚ Up to 20 coal trains daily deliver approximately 20,000 tons of lignite to the power plant, highlighting the scale of fuel required for continuous operation.
  • πŸ’§ Water treatment is a crucial part of the power plant's operation, with leftover dirt processed into a 'filter cake', but issues like conveyor belt breakdowns can lead to significant cleaning challenges.
  • πŸ’₯ In case of blockages in the boiler, special explosive charges are used to remove large lumps of ash, requiring careful handling and insulation due to the extreme heat.
  • πŸ‘¨β€πŸ”§ The maintenance team's work is physically demanding and requires the use of specialized equipment and techniques to manage the tough conditions within the power plant.
  • πŸ’° The script mentions a significant amount of money, $5,000,000, suggesting the high stakes and value associated with the operations of the power plant and the diamond mine.
  • πŸ’Ž The Mir mine in Siberia is one of the largest diamond mines in the world, with a massive open pit visible from space, but mining operations have transitioned to underground due to safety concerns.
  • ❄️ The harsh Siberian conditions make mining difficult, with workers needing to acclimate to the extreme cold and potential for gas or smoke leaks during their shifts.
  • πŸ› οΈ Mining operations involve the use of large machinery to extract kimberlite, which contains diamonds, but the process is dirty and labor-intensive.
  • πŸ” Diamonds are sorted and priced by women based on size, weight, and purity, with a high level of security and secrecy involved in the process.
  • 🌍 The demand for diamonds in Russia is so high that most diamonds are sold domestically, and the miners' earnings are relatively modest compared to the value of the gems they handle.
Q & A
  • What is the primary function of the lignite-powered fire station near Halle?

    -The lignite-powered fire station near Halle transforms coal into energy, supplying about two million households with electricity. It operates 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, and requires up to 20 coal trains a day to supply the necessary fuel.

  • What is the role of the mega vacuum cleaner in the power plant?

    -The mega vacuum cleaner is used for heavy-duty cleaning tasks at the power plant. It has a large pipe diameter and is capable of sucking up eight thousand cubic meters of air volume per minute, even large objects like bricks from a distance.

  • What issue did the maintenance team face with the conveyor belt in the sludge bunker?

    -The conveyor belt in the sludge bunker broke down, causing the sludge to spread all the way to the door, resulting in about eight cubic meters of dirt that needed to be cleaned by the team using the mega vacuum cleaner.

  • How is the ash produced in the boiler house of the power plant typically removed?

    -The ash produced in the boiler house falls down through a funnel-like structure and can be removed. However, sometimes the funnel gets clogged, requiring the maintenance team to take action.

  • What special measure was taken to remove a large lump of ash from the boiler's grate?

    -To remove the large lump of ash, the maintenance team set up a special explosive charge using ordinary dynamite. This had to be done while the plant was still running and required insulation to withstand the extreme heat.

  • What is the significance of the water pressure cleaning in the power plant's operation?

    -Water pressure cleaning is used to service and clean the wet ash silo, where the ashes end up after being transported away from the boiler on conveyor belts. The cleaning is necessary to maintain the plant's operation and prevent buildup.

  • What is the main reason for the existence of the city of Mirny in Siberia?

    -The city of Mirny exists primarily due to the presence of one of the largest diamond mines in the world, which is the epicenter of the Russian diamond mining industry.

  • What safety equipment is required for visitors entering the underground mine in Mirny?

    -Visitors are required to carry a self-rescuer, a breathing apparatus that provides around 50 minutes of oxygen in case of a gas or smoke leak, and they must sign a waiver acknowledging their responsibility in case of an accident.

  • What is the process of diamond extraction in the mine of Mirny?

    -Diamonds are extracted from a gigantic deposit of the volcanic mineral kimberlite. The miners drill and mine the rocks out of the walls where the kimberlite is located, which contains diamonds in a rare composition.

  • How are diamonds separated from the kimberlite stones in the processing facility?

    -Diamonds are separated from the kimberlite stones using a top-secret chemical mixture in a sulfuric bath, which helps to separate the volcanic stone from the diamonds.

  • What is the significance of the gold mining town of Rinconada in Peru?

    -Rinconada is significant as it is one of the highest cities in the world and is a place where miners hope to find gold that can change their lives. It is known for its extreme conditions and the potential for miners to keep what they find on 'payday'.

  • What is the main challenge faced by miners on 'payday' in the gold mine of Rinconada?

    -On 'payday', miners have the opportunity to keep what gold they find, but the main challenge is that they have worked for 30 days without pay and their entire monthly salary depends on this one chance.

  • What is the process of gold extraction in the mine of Rinconada?

    -Miners search every boulder with their bare hands for shiny marks of gold. The gold, once found, is processed by mixing it with water and mercury, grinding it into a liquid, and then separating the gold from the stone by washing away everything else.

  • What are the health risks associated with gold processing in Rinconada?

    -The process of gold extraction using mercury poses health risks, as mercury is toxic and can harm the miners' health. Miners are often not provided with gloves or other protective equipment.

  • What is the impact of finding a significant amount of gold on a miner's life?

    -Finding a significant amount of gold can drastically change a miner's life, providing them with the means to buy property, start a business, and live in a safer area with more opportunities for their family.

Outlines
00:00
πŸ”§ Heavy Maintenance at a Lignite Power Plant

The script describes the challenging work of maintaining a lignite-powered fire station near Halle, which operates year-round to supply electricity to two million households. The maintenance team, including Mirko Volkov and Frank, uses a mega vacuum cleaner with a 7.8-inch pipe to remove dirt and debris, including large objects like bricks. They also deal with a conveyor belt breakdown in a sludge bunker, which they clear using the vacuum's suction power. Additionally, they address an emergency in the boiler house, where they use dynamite to remove a large lump of ash that threatens to block the boiler's operation.

05:04
πŸ’₯ Explosive Solutions in Diamond Mining

This paragraph details the extreme measures taken in diamond mining, specifically in the city of Mirny, Russia, which is home to one of the world's largest diamond mines. The miners face harsh conditions, with temperatures dropping to -50 degrees Celsius. The script discusses the use of explosives to remove large chunks of slag in the mine, which is a delicate process that requires insulation and cooling of the ignition wire to withstand temperatures of 700 to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit. The miners also use high-pressure water jets to clean the wet ash silo, which is a dangerous task due to the risk of personal injury and equipment damage.

10:06
🏭 Underground Adventures in a Diamond Mine

The script takes us deep into the Mir mine, one of the deepest man-made holes on Earth, with a depth of 1,722 feet and a width of 3,900 feet. The mine's operations have transitioned from opencast to underground mining due to the risk of the surface caving in. The miners undergo safety training, including the use of a self-rescuer device for emergencies. The narrative follows shift manager Sergey Gamble and his team as they navigate the mine's maze-like structure, working with large machinery to extract rocks that may contain diamonds.

15:06
πŸ’Ž The Search for Diamonds in a Volcanic Deposit

The miners in the script are searching for diamonds in a large deposit of the volcanic mineral kimberlite, known for its potential to contain a high concentration of diamonds. They use steel milling machines to mine the rocks, which are then transported to the surface for further processing. Despite the harsh working conditions and the lack of immediate visibility of diamonds, the miners remain hopeful of finding the precious stones.

20:15
🏭 The Diamond Processing and Valuation

The script describes the process of diamond extraction and valuation. Diamonds are separated from the kimberlite stones using a top-secret chemical bath and then sorted by size, weight, and purity by women workers. The workers are responsible for determining the price of the diamonds, which can vary greatly based on their clarity and color. The narrative also touches on the strict security measures and the high stakes involved in handling such valuable commodities.

25:18
⛏️ The Struggle and Hope of Gold Miners in Peru

The miners in the gold mining town of Rinconada, Peru, face a grueling work environment with low air pressure and freezing temperatures. They work for a month without pay, hoping to find gold on 'gold payday,' which can significantly improve their lives. The script follows miner Fortunato, who has been working in the mine for 22 years and dreams of a better life for his family. The miners use basic tools and methods, including chewing coca leaves to combat altitude sickness, and face many challenges in their pursuit of gold.

30:20
πŸŒ„ Life-Changing Impact of Gold Mining

The script contrasts the harsh reality of gold mining with the potential rewards. Some miners, like Han, have found enough gold to change their lives dramatically, allowing them to become self-sufficient farmers with their own land and livestock. However, the majority of miners continue to face difficult working conditions and uncertain futures, with the hope that one day they too can achieve financial stability through their work in the mines.

35:24
πŸŒ‹ The Risks and Rewards of Gold Processing

Fortunato's story illustrates the painstaking process of gold extraction, which involves using mercury to separate gold from stone and then purifying it. Despite the health risks associated with mercury exposure and the labor-intensive nature of the work, Fortunato remains hopeful that his efforts will result in a significant find that can support his family and improve their living conditions.

40:24
πŸŒ… The Persistent Hope of a Gold Miner

The final paragraph follows Fortunato as he reflects on his monthly earnings from gold mining, which, although modest, allow him to provide for his family. Despite the disappointment of not finding a large gold nugget, he remains hopeful and determined to continue mining in the hope of a life-changing discovery.

Mindmap
Keywords
πŸ’‘Lignite
Lignite is a type of coal that is used as a fuel in power stations. It is considered the lowest rank of coal due to its high moisture content but is still a significant energy source. In the video, a lignite-powered fire station near Halle is mentioned, which transforms coal into energy to supply electricity for about two million households.
πŸ’‘Maintenance Team
A maintenance team is a group of workers responsible for the upkeep and repair of machinery, equipment, or buildings. In the context of the video, Mirko Volkov and Frank Hold NovotnΓ‘ are part of the maintenance team at the power plant, ensuring the plant runs smoothly and efficiently.
πŸ’‘Mega Vacuum Cleaner
The mega vacuum cleaner in the video refers to a large-scale industrial cleaning machine capable of high-volume air suction. It is used to clean hard-to-reach or large areas and is depicted as an essential tool in the fight against dirt within the power plant, capable of sucking up even large objects like bricks.
πŸ’‘Filter Cake
Filter cake is a term used to describe the compressed and dewatered mass of solid particles that is formed on a filter medium during the filtration process. In the video, the filter cake is a clay-like mass that is a byproduct of the water treatment facility and needs to be cleaned up by the maintenance team when the conveyor belt in the sludge bunker breaks down.
πŸ’‘Dynamite
Dynamite is an explosive material used for construction, demolition, and mining. In the script, dynamite is used to clear a blockage in the boiler house of a power plant where ashes have formed a large lump that threatens to clog the funnel and disrupt operations.
πŸ’‘Slag
Slag is the glass-like byproduct left after a metal has been separated from its ore in a furnace. In the video, slag refers to the waste material that needs to be removed from the boiler to prevent operational disruptions in the power plant.
πŸ’‘High-Pressure Cleaning
High-pressure cleaning is a cleaning method that uses a high-pressure stream of water to remove dirt, grime, or other unwanted substances from surfaces. In the video, high-pressure cleaning is used to service and clean the wet ash silo in the power plant, where ashes are transported and stored.
πŸ’‘Kimberlite
Kimberlite is an igneous rock that is often found in vertical pipes and is the primary source of diamonds. In the video, the Mir mine in Siberia contains a large deposit of kimberlite, which is why underground mining continues despite the risks, as it is teeming with diamonds.
πŸ’‘Diamond Sorting
Diamond sorting is the process of categorizing diamonds based on their size, weight, color, and purity to determine their value. In the video, women at a diamond processing facility sort raw diamonds to establish their price, which is measured in carats.
πŸ’‘Gold Mining
Gold mining is the process of extracting gold from the earth, either through mining or panning. In the video, the town of Rinconada in Peru is depicted, where miners work for a month without pay and keep whatever gold they find on 'pay day,' hoping to change their lives with a significant find.
πŸ’‘Mercury
Mercury is a chemical element used in the video to separate gold from the stone in the gold processing centers. It is mixed with water and the gold-containing stone, and then the mixture is heated to evaporate the mercury, leaving behind pure gold. However, mercury is known to be harmful to health, and its use in this context highlights the risks miners face.
Highlights

Lignite power plant near Halle operates 24/7, supplying energy to two million households.

Maintenance team uses a mega vacuum cleaner with a 7.8-inch pipe diameter for heavy-duty cleaning.

The vacuum cleaner can suck up 8,000 cubic meters of air per minute, even large objects like bricks from a distance.

Water treatment facilities clean water around the clock, with leftover dirt processed into filter cake.

A conveyor belt breakdown in the sludge bunker leads to a massive cleanup effort by the maintenance team.

Dynamite is used to clear large lumps of slag in the boiler, a dangerous and specialized task.

Explosive charges are carefully insulated to withstand extreme heat in the boiler.

High-pressure water cleaning is used to service the wet ash silo, a challenging and dirty task.

Tank washing heads with immense water pressure are used for thorough cleaning in hard-to-reach areas.

The diamond mine in Mirny, Siberia, is one of the largest in the world, with a depth of 1,722 feet and a width of 3,900 feet.

Underground mining continues in Mirny despite the risks, with miners adhering to strict schedules.

Miners rely on a self-rescuer device for safety in case of gas or smoke leaks underground.

Diamonds are found in the volcanic mineral kimberlite, which is crushed to extract the gems.

Diamonds are sorted by size, weight, and purity, with prices varying significantly based on these factors.

The gold mining town of Rinconada, Peru, is situated at an altitude of 5,300 meters, where miners work for a month without pay, hoping to find gold.

Miners in Rinconada rely on coca leaves to combat the symptoms of altitude sickness and give them strength.

Gold miners in Peru face dangerous conditions and low safety standards in their search for the precious metal.

Some miners in Peru have found enough gold to change their lives, such as one who found half a kilogram and was able to buy a farm.

Fortunato, a miner in Rinconada, processes his gold with mercury, hoping to find enough to support his family.

Transcripts
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