Linh Pham

As Japan closes its mines to align with ambitious climate goals, seasoned Japanese miners venture far from home to the coal-rich region of Cam Pha in Quang Ninh, Vietnam. Deep beneath the surface, across ocean from the factories that will eventually burn this coal, they pass on decades of expertise to local workers. Their presence highlights a global paradox: Japan invests in cleaner energy at home while extending coal projects abroad.

Cam Pha’s underground corridors are part of Vietnam’s vital coal supply chain, fueling both domestic industries and export markets. Despite mounting pressure to transition to renewables, coal-fired plants continue to rise alongside solar and wind farms, reflecting Vietnam’s need to balance economic growth with environmental obligations.

In these cramped tunnels, the transfer of knowledge from Japanese veterans to Vietnamese miners underscores the persistent global dependence on fossil fuels. Even as the world calls for rapid decarbonization, the industry’s footprint remains entrenched, a reality visible every day in Quang Ninh’s coal heartland. This photo essay reveals the contradictions of Japan’s environmental commitments and Vietnam’s developing energy landscape, captured in the stark subterranean world where coal still reigns supreme.

Beneath the Climate Pledge 2023

Shot on assignment for Bloomberg