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Galamsey is the result of seven years of research and documentary work. The photographs were taken between 2019 and 2022, with a return to Ghana in 2025 & 2026 to continue the project.Mariusz Śmiejek documented communities connected to informal gold mining in Ghana, Africa’s largest gold producer. Across more than 40 locations in four regions of the country, he photographed the everyday lives of miners and their families, women and children working in the mines, and landscapes transformed by gold extraction.
The book tells the stories of people operating at the very bottom of the global gold supply chain, exploring the human and environmental consequences of gold mining. It also reflects on a system in which immense natural wealth does not translate into security, prosperity or better living conditions for local communities.
This photographic project developed alongside research for Unearthed Her Crown, led by Principal Investigator Melani Lea Mennella, Esq. Its development was informed by consultations and collaboration with Richard Ellimah, Director of Research at the Centre for Social Impact Studies (CeSIS) in Ghana.
During the event, Mariusz Śmiejek will talk about the seven years of working on the project, its origins, and the experiences that shaped the photographic narrative of Galamsey. The presentation will be accompanied by photographs and film footage recorded during his work in Ghana.
International Recognition & Awards
Published independently in 2026, Galamsey has received international recognition, including:
1st Place – Professional Book: Documentary, PX3 Prix de la Photographie Paris 2026.
1st Place – Professional Book:People, Budapest International Foto Awards (BIFA) 2026.
Honourable Mention, International Photography Awards (IPA) 2026, USA.
Shortlisted – Lucie Foundation Photo Book Award 2026.
The project was developed in collaboration with National Geographic Polska, which published the work in 2025 and supported by Canon Europe. Photographs from the project have also received recognition from the Photography 4 Humanity Global Prize, National Geographic Polska and the Human Impact Awards in the UK.
About the Photographer
Mariusz Śmiejek is an independent documentary photographer and educator. Since 2010, he has been developing long-term documentary projects focusing on people and communities often overlooked by mainstream media.
His work has been published internationally by The New York Times, National Geographic, British Journal of Photography, Der Spiegel, Politico, Die Welt and Pismo, among others.
The production of Galamsey was made possible with the support of Arts Council of Northern Ireland and The National Lottery.
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Event venue
Belfast Exposed Photography Gallery, 23 Donegall Street, Belfast, BT1 2FF, United Kingdom
Tickets
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