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Millions of mines and unexploded grenades are scattered across Afghanistan. Locals say helping collect the metal for cash is how they feed their families.
Millions of mines and unexploded grenades are scattered across Afghanistan. Locals say helping collect the metal for cash is how they feed their families.
Katie Balevic,Olivia Nemec,Edris Lutfi,Zaki Yousofzai,Milad NabawiFeb 2, 2023, 02:41 IST
Salim Pandikhell is a scrap collector, which is dangerous work in Afghanistan.Zaki Yousofzai/Insider
After years of combat in Afghanistan, millions of unexploded mines and grenades are scattered across the country.
Some scavengers have described the dangerous yet lucrative job of discovering and disassembling them.
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Salim Pandikhell is a scrap collector from a small village near Kabul.
Salim Pandikhell.Zaki Yousofzai/Insider
Pandikhell said his priority is making sure others don't get hurt.
The copper from unexploded explosives can be very valuable.Zaki Yousofzai/Insider
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Salahuddin Mohammadi was just seven years old when he was injured by an explosive.
Salahuddin Mohammadi was just seven years old when he sustained a brain injury from an explosive.Zaki Yousofzai/Insider
Mohammad Amin is a scrap dealer who buys copper from collectors.
Mohammad Amin at his scrap yard.Zaki Yousofzai/Insider
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Scrap metals are then melted down at steel mills.
Omid Bashir is a worker at Deli Steel Mill Factory in Kabul.Zaki Yousofzai/Insider
Official efforts to remove explosives have been found lacking.
Some NGOs have stepped in to help remove dangerous explosives from the area.Zaki Yousofzai/Insider
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While the work is deadly, Pandikhell feels like he doesn't have a choice.
Salim Pandikhell eats a meal with his family.Zaki Yousofzai/Insider