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Studio Davide Monteleone

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CRITICAL MINERALS - DRC

September 11, 2023

The third leg of the 'Critical Minerals' project took me to the Democratic Republic of Congo to document the condition and impact of the mining of Copper and Cobalt, essential for the green energy transition. 

The environmental and human conditions of mining have been widely reported, and the mainstream narrative faithfully describes the devastating working conditions, the quasi-slave-like exploitation and the problematic health, environmental and economic conditions that men, women, and often children are subjected to, directly or indirectly involved in mining. […]

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In Coming Soon, Documentary, Journal, Work in Progress Tags criticalminerals, Photography, industries, documentary
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A long interview about my work and my practice from #Dusha to #criticalminerals on @tuttifotografi by @paolonamias. #initaliano @sony.italia @alphauniversebysony.eu #reportage #photography #storytelling
A long interview about my work and my practice from #Dusha to #criticalminerals on @tuttifotografi by @paolonamias. #initaliano @sony.italia @alphauniversebysony.eu #reportage #photography #storytelling
Chile, Atacama Region, 2023.
From the series “Critical Minerals - Geography of Energy”. 

The recent installation of the new Trump administration has significantly intensified global geopolitical complexities, exacerbating trade and econo
Chile, Atacama Region, 2023. From the series “Critical Minerals - Geography of Energy”. The recent installation of the new Trump administration has significantly intensified global geopolitical complexities, exacerbating trade and economic tensions with its assertive foreign policy and diplomatic decisions. These tensions influence global stability and economic interactions, particularly challenging energy security in Europe, which finds itself potentially marginalized or caught between the competing interests of the U.S. and Russia. This precarious situation underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive reassessment of global energy policies and sources in response to both geopolitical conflicts and climate change impacts. Technological interdependence has become a cornerstone of modern society, yet it also presents risks such as technocratic overreach, which can lead to misinformation and AI-related challenges. In this context, robust regulatory frameworks are crucial, especially as figures like Elon Musk become prominent in political spheres. The waning of international cooperation further complicates the management of these global challenges, while societal and environmental pressures necessitate coordinated efforts to tackle issues such as inequality, polarization, and environmental degradation. Chile, with its substantial lithium reserves crucial for technological and energy transitions, epitomizes the dilemmas faced by resource-rich countries. Situated in the resource-abundant but water-scarce Atacama region, Chile’s lithium extraction practices not only contribute to local environmental degradation but also displace communities and erode ancient cultures and traditions, illustrating the complex interplay between resource exploitation and sustainable development. Given the severe and increasing frequency of natural disasters driven by climate change, a prompt reevaluation of international trade policies, the impact of global supply chains, and the enforcement of green policies has become imperative. This comprehensive approach is vital to mitigate the adverse effects of these global challenges and to ensure a balanced and more sustainable future.
“Spectral Scar – Studies on Climate Observation” (2021) - California Fires.

This image is part of my series Spectral Scar – Studies on Climate Observation (2021), which investigates the marks of climate change etched into our
“Spectral Scar – Studies on Climate Observation” (2021) - California Fires. This image is part of my series Spectral Scar – Studies on Climate Observation (2021), which investigates the marks of climate change etched into our landscapes. Using satellite data combined with GIS techniques, I aimed to uncover the hidden scars of fire, flooding, and other environmental transformations caused by human activity—scars that are not immediately visible to the human eye. Unlike traditional photography, which relies on the small spectrum of light visible to humans, satellite vision extends across the entire electromagnetic spectrum. This allows us to capture pieces of information that traditional photography cannot. Satellite acquisition also updates in real-time, unbound by visibility conditions or the remoteness of the location. Exploration of our environment becomes visually, spatially, and timely extended, revealing processes that often go unnoticed but are deeply consequential. In this image, the scars of California’s fires are rendered visible, showing the devastating impact of our climate crisis on the region. As fires continue to devastate Los Angeles and other parts of California, this image is a stark reminder of how fragile our ecosystems have become. These current fires are not isolated events but part of an alarming pattern exacerbated by human-driven climate change. The scars left behind are physical and emotional – a call for us to urgently rethink how we interact with the environment before more is lost. #ClimateChange #CaliforniaFires #LAfires #EnvironmentalArt #SatellitePhotography #ExpandedVision #ElectromagneticSpectrum #GeographyOfDestruction #GISArt #ClimateCrisis #ClimateAction #PhotographyBeyondTheLens #VisualStorytelling #EarthObservation #HumanImpact #GlobalWarming #EnvironmentalPhotography #SaveThePlanet
Christmas Sale is almost over!

Last call! Only 3 days left to snag these limited open-edition Christmas prints. Each print, sized at 20x25cm and printed on high-quality Hahnemühle paper, comes with a certificate of authenticity. 
Sale ends
Christmas Sale is almost over! Last call! Only 3 days left to snag these limited open-edition Christmas prints. Each print, sized at 20x25cm and printed on high-quality Hahnemühle paper, comes with a certificate of authenticity.  Sale ends December 15th! Tap the link in bio to shop.
Limited Time Offer: Small Open Edition Prints

We’re halfway through our Critical Minerals Christmas Print Sale! Don’t miss the chance to own beautifully printed, signed photographs, perfect for a unique gift. Remember: shipping is on us
Limited Time Offer: Small Open Edition Prints We’re halfway through our Critical Minerals Christmas Print Sale! Don’t miss the chance to own beautifully printed, signed photographs, perfect for a unique gift. Remember: shipping is on us (in Europe and Switzerland), and all prints come with a custom certificate. Sale ends December 15th! See the options at the link in bio.
Christmas Sale - Small Open Edition Prints

We are delighted to present our Christmas Print Sale, running for a limited time from December 2nd to December 15th. 

This collection features three open-edition photographs from our latest work,
Christmas Sale - Small Open Edition Prints We are delighted to present our Christmas Print Sale, running for a limited time from December 2nd to December 15th. This collection features three open-edition photographs from our latest work, “Critical Minerals—Geography of Energy.” Sized at 20x20cm and printed on high-quality Hahnemühle paper, each one is accompanied by a certificate crafted for this occasion. Want to see more? Visit our shop at the link in bio.
Thrilled to share that one of my photographs has been chosen for the “National Geographic Pictures of the Year” issue! A format that highlights the exceptional work of hundreds of @natgeo photographers from around the globe.
My featured i
Thrilled to share that one of my photographs has been chosen for the “National Geographic Pictures of the Year” issue! A format that highlights the exceptional work of hundreds of @natgeo photographers from around the globe. My featured image is part of a series on the DAWN project in Germany. It showcases a groundbreaking synthetic fuel created from sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide—a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. This innovative solution could power trucks, ships, and planes without the need for retrofitting. Earlier this year, Swiss company Synhelion (@synhelion) unveiled the world’s first industrial-scale plant dedicated to producing this transformative energy source. To read the full story, check out the link in bio.
Sneak peek into the “Critical Minerals - Geography of Energy” installation at @mudec_official On display until December 15th. Video by @manuel__montesano
Ieri sera abbiamo inaugurato la mostra Critical Minerals al Mudec di Milano! Da oggi fino al 15 dicembre l’installazione sarà aperta al pubblico, e l’ingresso è gratuito. È stato davvero emozionante vedere tanti amici
Ieri sera abbiamo inaugurato la mostra Critical Minerals al Mudec di Milano! Da oggi fino al 15 dicembre l’installazione sarà aperta al pubblico, e l’ingresso è gratuito. È stato davvero emozionante vedere tanti amici, colleghi e volti nuovi partecipare, nonostante lo sciopero che ha colpito Milano. Un grazie speciale va a tutte le persone e organizzazioni che hanno reso possibile questo evento unico: * @fondazionedeloitte * @blackcameraitaly * @denis_curti * @alessiomason * @beatrice__ravelli * @curti_alessandro * @mudec_official * @cristobalolivares @guerchomndebo @mfimages @manuel__montesano @samantha_azzani * @imagofineart * @giuzan * @libertife * @deloitte_italia * @24orecultura * @podbielski_contemporary … e a tutti gli altri presenti, che per motivi di spazio non posso elencare qui. Grazie di cuore a ciascuno di voi! La prossima tappa? Parigi… e tante altre a seguire. Rimanete sintonizzati!
Critical Minerals – Geography of Energy, as this year’s LEICA @leica_camera winning series, is also going on a worldwide tour, along with the other amazing shortlisted works. 
 
First stop is the Ernst Leitz Museum in Wetzlar, German
Critical Minerals – Geography of Energy, as this year’s LEICA @leica_camera winning series, is also going on a worldwide tour, along with the other amazing shortlisted works.   First stop is the Ernst Leitz Museum in Wetzlar, Germany, on October 10th, and after that, it’ll be popping up at Leica galleries and photo festivals around the world. You’ll also be able to dive deeper into the series featured in a special catalogue.   If you get a chance, make sure to catch it at one of the stops—it’s not just photos! There’s also a video essay that will pull you into the full story. Check out the link in the bio for all the details.   In the picture: COPPER. Chile, April 2023. Chuquicamata ghost town. View of the former theatre. The town of Chuquicamata was established as a mining camp when mining operations opened. Dust from the mine and gases from the nearby smelting plant caused the mining company to relocate the entire town. . . . . #davidemonteleonestudio #documentary #photography #photojournalist #photojournalism #fineartphotography #documentaryphotography #reportage #photodocumentary #natgeo #insidenatgeo #theclimatepledge #leica #leicacamera #leicaaward #LOBA2024 #criticalminerals

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