11 Of The Most Dangerous And Expensive Mining Expeditions In The World | So Expensive

The video script introduces the dangerous and strenuous missions undertaken by miners all over the world to excavate precious natural resources like stones, salts, and crystals worth millions of dollars. It highlights the process of making Olympic curling stones from rare granite found on a tiny Scottish island, the challenges faced by miners, and the high cost associated with these resources.

The script explores the hazardous working conditions of sulfur miners in Indonesia, who risk their lives by diving deep into an active volcano to extract sulfur, known as 'devil's gold.' It describes the mining process, the toxic fumes and extreme environments the miners endure, the health risks they face, and the economic factors that drive this dangerous profession despite its relatively low pay.

The script follows the life of Joko, an unlicensed Indonesian miner who risks his life by diving 65 feet underwater to collect tin from the seafloor. It details the hazardous mining process, the lack of safety equipment, the environmental impact of offshore mining, and the economic factors that drive miners like Joko to continue this perilous work despite the low pay and dangers involved.

The script portrays the harsh reality of Rinky, a young girl who has been working in India's largest coalfield since the age of 8, risking her life amidst toxic smoke, burns, and the constant threat of accidents and injuries. It explores the dire working conditions, the health hazards faced by miners, the environmental impact of coal mining, and the desperate economic circumstances that force children like Rinky to endure such brutal conditions.

The script delves into the popularity and supposed health benefits of pink Himalayan salt, a luxury commodity that can cost up to 20 times more than regular table salt. It explores the different types of salt, the mineral composition of pink salt, the lack of scientific evidence for its claimed healing properties, and the factors that contribute to its high price and perceived value in the market.

The script follows the process of extracting and processing Calacatta marble, one of the most expensive marbles in the world, from the Apuan mountains of Carrara, Italy. It highlights the rarity of this marble, the challenges faced by miners, the intricate techniques used to extract and process it, the attention to detail required to preserve its quality, and the factors that contribute to its high cost and desirability in the market.

The script explores the world of black opal mining in Lightning Ridge, Australia, where miners undertake a risky and expensive pursuit to unearth this rare and enchanting gemstone. It delves into the formation process of black opal, the challenges and uncertainties involved in mining, the factors that determine its value and pricing, and the growing demand for this captivating gemstone in the market.

The script takes viewers inside the Las Torres Mine in Artigas, Uruguay, renowned for its massive amethyst geodes. It details the process of extracting and processing amethyst from the volcanic rock, the factors that contribute to its color and value, the artisanal techniques used to shape and polish the gemstones, and the growing demand for amethyst in the metaphysical and luxury markets.

The script follows the journey of a massive 8,000-pound quartz crystal discovered in Arkansas and donated to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. It explores the rarity and value of such specimens, the challenges involved in mining and transporting them, the growing popularity of crystals in various industries, and the importance of preserving these natural wonders for scientific study and public display.

The script delves into the intricate art of making meerschaum pipes, a traditional Turkish craft using a rare and fragile mineral known as 'white gold.' It follows the process of mining meerschaum, the challenges faced by artisans in carving intricate designs, the factors that contribute to the high cost of these pipes, and the cultural significance and growing demand for these unique smoking instruments.

The script explores the mining and processing of benitoite, one of the rarest gemstones in the world, found exclusively in San Benito County, California. It highlights the unique properties of benitoite that make it more brilliant than diamonds, the challenges involved in locating and extracting this elusive gem, the factors that contribute to its exorbitant price, and the efforts of miners to unearth this geological treasure.