Chhattisgarhís Sonakhan village literally sits on a gold mine. The area has gold deposits everywhere - in its ground, in the surrounding hills, the river that flows close by. Villagers in Sonakhan and neighbouring villages have been sifting gold particles from the river for many years, especially during the rains. The tribal villagers earn only a few hundred rupees from selling this raw gold to local jewellers.

With multi-national company Vedanta winning Indiaís first gold mine lease last month, villagers are wary how this move may affect Sonakhanís landscape and their livelihood.

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