I was privileged to spend time in the Cabinda province of Angola, exploring for gold. While there, I took some photos of traditional gold miners.
Cabinda Province is separated from the rest of Angola by a narrow strip of the Democratic Republic that comes down to the Atlantic Ocean, as well as the Congo River.
Cabinda in relation with the rest of Angola (Le Figaro)
Cabinda Province (Shutterstock)
Cabinda has a history of conflict. First with the Portuguese, then the Angolan Civil War and finally for greater autonomy/independence from Angola. The conflict finally ended in 2008, 10 years after the Angolan Civil War ended.
Evidence of the wars
The gold deposits are in the deep forests in the region of Buco Zau.
River through the gold concession
Primitive gold panning
Gold in the pan
Traditional transport
Dugout canoes are seen by all the major rivers and even the Atlantic Ocean where fishermen use them.
Traditional mining equipment
Panning
Looking for the gold streak showing success
What its all about
Africa has many beautiful unspoiled areas left and it was amazing to experience the beauty of Cabinda.
