Comments on: Coltan Mining In The Congo: We All Have Blood In Our Hands.

By: David

David — Fri, 18 Oct 2013 08:26:34 +0000

My people are massacred…so that fancy gadgets are manufactured…so sad

By: Nisa

Nisa — Tue, 24 Sep 2013 13:46:43 +0000

Hi Beth!
I’m glad that you appreciated the article. I wrote it because I also think that more people should know about this issue and I’m glad that the ones who come across it, think differently (at least a little bit) afterwards. This is unfortunately the harsh reality we live in … our “luxury goods” very often depend on third world countries and the effects that come with it are scary.
Take care!
Best, Nisa

By: Beth

Beth — Mon, 23 Sep 2013 22:28:45 +0000

Hi Nisa,
I know this was written about a year ago, but I was researching the web to find out more about Coltan mining and how it effects (or affects – I can never remember that) the lowland gorilla and I came across your site and your article. It amazes me how little we as American consumers don’t know about this. Why are we not talking about it? There are only 130 gorillas left in the national park that you sited in your article? And that was a year ago. I’m afraid of what I’ll find as I keep researching the subject. I asked my daughter today if she would still want a new cell phone if she knew that a gorilla would possibly be harmed and she said “NO!” of course not. People just don’t know.
Thank you for your article and the advice at the end. I just wish there was more we could do.
Beth

By: Nisa

Nisa — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 12:02:45 +0000

Hi Corrina,
thanks so much for your comment. I’m glad you appreciate our work – it’s always nice to hear that.
Yes, I agree with you that what’s happening in the Congo (and many many other places on our planet) is inhuman and totally unacceptable. I bet 99% of the people don’t even know anything about Coltan at all …
It’s always hard spreading the word about something that powerful people don’t want the majority of people to know. But in sharing articles like this, it’s a good way of getting the message out there…
All the best,
Nisa

By: Corrina

Corrina — Sun, 28 Oct 2012 18:08:29 +0000

Nisa~
I appreciate a fellow photographer, i love your work, which actually was the second thing I looked at. I’m doing a research report on the mining of Colton…I’m amazed at how ridiculously it’s covered up and the word really needs to get out. It is a defense against people’s rights and the environment… If only humans didn’t put their greed first in order to have the best of the best technology and this and that… and if only we were more informed and less niave about worldy issues. The abuse that is happening in the Congo is far beyond words, we just have to figure out the actions to perform in order to stop it, which unfortunately might take a while due to our power in contrast to big companies that want what they want and get it. Thank you again.
-Corrina

By: Nisa

Nisa — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 09:09:02 +0000

Hey Philipp,

Thanks for your comment & lovely words! Very glad that you enjoy our blog.

As you said, society is mostly unaware of what’s going on behind the scenes. Whether it’s the issue with Coltan, the pollution of our oceans or the current financial situation…we tend to look away as long as it doesn’t affect us. But as soon as it does, it’s too late (at least most of the times). This has always been the case and I think it’ss (unfortunately) not going to change now. The big companies (who really have the power to do something right now)don’t give a damn about nature, life or even the people. It’s all about who makes the most profit…very sad but this is our reality…

Take care!

By: Philipp Knoll

Philipp Knoll — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 07:56:56 +0000

Hi,

I’ve just recently discovered your website and blog and have returned multiple times so far. You photography is amazing and I was very interested in the lifestyle you chose for yourselves.

This is a great article as it pics up an issues we should all be aware of. As you said we all contribute to this dilemma almost daily. But the sad fact is that we as a society are mostly unaware of what our actions cause others. For one there is sometimes no other way to find out about consequences of our actions but to listen to people who have those stories to tell. Secondly the big cooperations are not exactly communicative on that matter. Profits go first…

Thanks for the great reminder! Happy to share this.