Persistence of coal mining profession in Ca Mau

According to many residents, since the 1920s, the charcoal industry has appeared in Cho Thu (formerly Tam Giang Tay commune, now Tan An commune, Ca Mau province). The main raw material used for charcoal is mangrove trees. Ca Mau mangrove charcoal is consumed in many provinces in the West and Ho Chi Minh City.

According to many residents, since the 1920s, the charcoal industry has appeared in Cho Thu (formerly Tam Giang Tay commune, now Tan An commune, Ca Mau province). The main raw material used for charcoal is mangrove trees. Ca Mau mangrove charcoal is widely consumed in the Western provinces and Ho Chi Minh City. Workers in the charcoal kilns have to endure hot and polluted environments due to coal dust, but their wages only fluctuate from 300,000 to 400,000 VND/day. Although the charcoal industry has its ups and downs, many people still stick with the profession.

After filling the furnace with mangrove firewood, workers sealed it and lit the charcoal pit. Photo: TAN THAI

Mangrove firewood for charcoal is purchased from local people when exploiting mangrove forests (a cycle of 15-20 years) and has a clear origin.

Put wood in the stove, prepare the charcoal pit

After filling the furnace with mangrove firewood, the workers sealed it and lit a fire in the charcoal pit.

The charcoal making profession in Ca Mau is about a hundred years old.

Mangrove firewood is stacked neatly to ensure even burning and less broken coal.

Classify finished coal for consumption

A charcoal kiln cycle is about 1.5-2 months. A charcoal kiln contains about 50m3 of wood (1m3 of mangrove wood produces about 200kg of charcoal)

TAN THAI

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/ben-bi-nghe-ham-than-xu-ca-mau-post813977.html