China

In north west China on the edge of the Gobi Desert near the border with Mongolia in the province of Xijeng is a mining area known as Sandaoling. It is an enormous open cast coal mine where coal is extracted and distributed to the surrounding steelworks and power stations utilising JS 2-8-0 steam locomotives. Unfortunately the main pit is now closed with just two smaller pits remain operational. During my visit i was able to take many pictures of the railway operations during the day and night in sub zero temperatures.

It was a great chance to try out some of my creative photographic ideas.