Mongolia – Ninja Nation

The hunt for gold has long been a driving force in human history, inspiring countless tales of bravery, greed, and adventure. But what happens when this search for riches reaches a fever pitch, with thousands of people flocking to a remote region to mine for gold? The answer can be found in Mongolia, where the biggest gold rush of modern times is underway, and the consequences are dire.

Aidan Hartley’s investigative documentary, “On the Trail of the Ninjas,” delves deep into the heart of Mongolia’s gold rush, uncovering the staggering human and environmental costs of this frenzied quest for wealth. The film takes us on a journey through the rugged terrain of Mongolia’s Gobi desert, where miners known as “ninjas” risk their lives every day in search of gold.

The term “ninjas” refers to the illegal gold miners who operate outside of the law, using dangerous and environmentally damaging methods to extract gold from the earth. Hartley speaks with a variety of individuals involved in the gold rush, from miners and traders to environmentalists and government officials, to paint a vivid picture of the impact of this industry on Mongolia and its people.

The human cost of the gold rush is staggering, with many miners living in harsh conditions and working long hours for little pay. The film shows how entire families, including children, are involved in the gold mining process, with some children as young as six working alongside their parents. The risks are high, with accidents and deaths common in these hazardous working conditions.

The environmental cost of the gold rush is equally devastating. The miners use toxic chemicals such as mercury to extract the gold, which poisons the soil, water, and air. This has a devastating impact on the surrounding ecosystem, including the desert’s fragile vegetation and the animals that rely on it for survival.

Despite the risks and dangers, the lure of gold is too great for many to resist. The film shows how the gold rush has become a way of life for many in Mongolia, with entire communities dependent on the industry for their livelihoods. However, the short-term gains of gold mining come at a high cost, with long-term damage to the environment and the health of the people involved.

Hartley’s documentary provides a stark reminder of the consequences of unchecked greed and exploitation. It sheds light on the harsh realities of Mongolia’s gold rush and the urgent need for action to address the human and environmental costs of this industry. The film is a call to action, urging us to think about the true cost of the products we consume and the impact they have on the world around us.

In conclusion, “On the Trail of the Ninjas” is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that exposes the dark side of the search for gold in Mongolia. Through Hartley’s investigative journalism, we are confronted with the harsh realities of this industry and the urgent need for change.