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Tunisia - Metlaoui - Phosphate Society Mines of Sfax-Gafsa
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Tunisia - Metlaoui - Phosphate Society Mines of Sfax-Gafsa
Tunisia - Metlaoui - Phosphate Society Mines of Sfax-Gafsa - unloading the wagns. Date: circa 1910s
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Media ID 11587083
© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection
Digging Heavy Hoeing Hoes Labour Labourers Manual Material Materials Mine Mineral Minerals Mines Phosphate Picks Sfax Tunisian Unloading Wagon Wagons
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This photograph, taken circa 1910s, offers a glimpse into the daily life of the Phosphate Society Mines of Sfax-Gafsa in Metlaoui, Tunisia. The image showcases the arduous manual labor involved in the mining industry during the French colonial era. In the foreground, a group of Tunisian laborers are seen unloading phosphate-laden wagons using hoes and picks. The raw mineral materials, which were a significant source of wealth for the French colonial powers, are carefully extracted from the wagons and piled high on the ground. The laborers, dressed in traditional clothing, appear focused and determined as they work under the intense sun. The background of the photograph reveals a vast expanse of mines, with numerous wagons waiting to be loaded with the extracted phosphate. The heavy machinery and industrial equipment, such as the large cranes and conveyor belts, are absent, highlighting the reliance on manual labor during this period. This photograph offers a historical perspective on the mining industry in Tunisia, specifically the Phosphate Society Mines of Sfax-Gafsa. It serves as a poignant reminder of the human effort and perseverance required to extract raw materials from the earth, and the role that colonialism played in shaping the economic landscape of Tunisia.
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