Lady of the Gobi: trucking coal across the desert to China

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  • čas přidán 28. 09. 2022
  • On Mongolia’s coal mining highway to the Chinese border, truck driver Maikhuu dreams of a better life and financial security for her three children.
    Subscribe to The Guardian on CZcams ► bit.ly/subscribegdn
    But the more she drives her truck up and down this perilous road the more she realises she is working for the very industry that is destroying the livelihoods of many Mongolians. The highway is also riddled with accidents, toxic pollution, poor hygiene and now, amid the Covid crisis, drivers face days of quarantine on the border. Maikhuu is left wondering if the financial gain is worth the cost.
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    #LadyOfTheGobi #Mongolia #CoalMining #China #Maikhuu #COVID #Documentary

Komentáře • 341

  • @l.a.raustadt518
    @l.a.raustadt518 Před rokem +183

    Working out of Minnesota hobbled together 42 years trucking. Marriage, relationships in general hard even when you are primary local. This young lady is doing one of the harder driving jobs I have seen.Big respect.

  • @uulnaas
    @uulnaas Před rokem +166

    On behalf of all Mongolians, I thank you sincerely for the captivating and moving documentary. Must be the first media agency to cover such story in Mongolia.
    I truly appreciate the great work and transparency of the Guardian Media.
    Hope the better days are coming for all of us! Godspeed to all of us!

  • @taterkaze9428
    @taterkaze9428 Před rokem +131

    Outstanding documentary. Message for Maikhuu: always wear a face mask when unloading or loading coal, or when just standing in a coal yard. Black lung disease will shorten your life.

  • @meanqueensuperscrimper8908
    @meanqueensuperscrimper8908 Před rokem +107

    This is heartbreaking. I have been a trucker for 32 years. Being away from your family is part of the job. I hope she is able to go back home to her kids. ilona

  • @samanthav8728
    @samanthav8728 Před rokem +163

    What a different and captivating documentary! I felt the pride and the despair of her trials and tribulations. I hope her dreams of an unbroken family comes to fruition, She is beautiful, inside and out!

    • @tangbesitangbesi7009
      @tangbesitangbesi7009 Před rokem +2

      Yes, agree

    • @jeanifstoddgo1194
      @jeanifstoddgo1194 Před rokem

      Vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvi. V uvvbvv. V. Vvvvu I I vvvvvv uvvvu uuug vvuvuv u uuu. If. G u I ugvvu u Gigi hi g g u ucggggc u g I hi uucggggcugugu hi u u go gcgggggggghhuguccug. I. I. I I.

    • @pietrojenkins6901
      @pietrojenkins6901 Před rokem +1

      @@tangbesitangbesi7009 when did The Guardian start posting documentaries? Wow, i didn't even know they had a YT channel.

    • @kenhofer8063
      @kenhofer8063 Před rokem +1

      Inside everybody’s the same nothing but blood and guts and it’s not nice

    • @monke2077
      @monke2077 Před rokem

      Lpl0l

  • @Theanvcorporation
    @Theanvcorporation Před rokem +36

    A tough ,compassionate human being and a great mother

  • @nigelbanksart
    @nigelbanksart Před rokem +286

    Extraordinarily poignant documentation of personal survival in a harsh (so harsh!) environment - goodness, you have to feel for every one of these drivers. Seeing it all through the daily experiences of a mother seeking her way, her connections to family and sources of meaning is heart rending. To the makers of this documentary: thankyou so much for creating this window through which to reflect on the thousand ways we experience and make meaning in our every moment. Without doubt it is the most moving thing I have watched in CZcams in weeks. Thankyou 🔆

    • @tangbesitangbesi7009
      @tangbesitangbesi7009 Před rokem +3

      Indeed well said for us who have being through much of life

    • @fishrgirl5980
      @fishrgirl5980 Před rokem +5

      Well said. Excellent video.

    • @michaela4024
      @michaela4024 Před rokem +2

      It was all a fabricated production, yes the truck envoys are real, but it was a written and directed production. I thought the same but when you see the credits saying director and writer at the end you realise what it really is.

    • @khulanwr8641
      @khulanwr8641 Před rokem +9

      @@michaela4024 no, you’re wrong.

    • @mudguts77
      @mudguts77 Před rokem +1

      @@khulanwr8641 dude, outside of surveillance cameras, there hasn't been 10 seconds of video produced in the entire history of the world that wasn't intended to make you think a certain way about a topic.

  • @oseibroni3732
    @oseibroni3732 Před rokem +24

    I give a lot of respect to Maikhuu, a single mother of 3 daughters. She has lost her home, and is now starting life afresh. And she is facing all the challenges of life all by herself. And she is seemingly on course to realize her dreams. This young woman clearly, has exceeded my expectations. I wish you all the best, Maikhuu.

  • @terobau3444
    @terobau3444 Před rokem +63

    Amazing documentary..big salute and respect to hard working people of Mongolia specially mom.. .. thank you filming team for making and sharing such a beautiful documentary ..✌️

  • @abrahamsoto2297
    @abrahamsoto2297 Před rokem +48

    As a fellow over the road CDL 🚛driver, I understand perfectly, what this fellow Driver is going through. My heart ♥️ goes out to her I have been doing it for over 11 years pays great got me, my house 🏡my property 🏔and out of financial💸 debt. But it is a lifestyle not a job

  • @tinamcswain4758
    @tinamcswain4758 Před rokem +61

    What a great documentary, these miners are incredible people ❤Doing it for there family and a better life.
    The lady driver is the strongest woman I’ve ever seen.
    Love and respect 🇦🇺

  • @user-wu7jz4kt4s
    @user-wu7jz4kt4s Před rokem +9

    Respect of our the Mongolian women. All of women's trying to do best

  • @shaunmckenzie5509
    @shaunmckenzie5509 Před rokem +28

    Enjoyed the Mongolian narration. First time I've heard Mongolian language.
    Great Doco!

  • @scrupulousness.6171
    @scrupulousness.6171 Před rokem +14

    Thank you so much! Sitting in our comfortable rooms, watching this made me think a lot!

  • @dr1311
    @dr1311 Před rokem +9

    Hat’s off to those who made this documentary depicting the day to day activities in the Gobi and Chinese border. Respect for every single soul working in these harsh environments just to keep the industry and city folks live. Bless your soul. Watch this over any blockbuster at any given time.

  • @iDelta77
    @iDelta77 Před rokem +8

    ❤great mothers always wants to provide for her kids. My heart goes out to her.

  • @guanaart
    @guanaart Před rokem +26

    What an amazing job documenting this. Congratulations to the cinematographers and reporters who put this together.

  • @chiangsim
    @chiangsim Před rokem +9

    Beautifully done. Helped me to see a different side of Mongolia and her people. Grateful thanks.

  • @barriewright2857
    @barriewright2857 Před rokem +13

    My utmost respect to that lady, mother and bread winner, my heart goes out to you and hope that you will find your way to what you want in life.

  • @FueledbyJohn
    @FueledbyJohn Před rokem +48

    Great documenting of the working conditions people have within the coal logistics industry. 🙂

  • @Mark-gg6iy
    @Mark-gg6iy Před rokem +5

    Strong lady, hope she gets to spend more time with her friends and family.

  • @MrBeeMAD
    @MrBeeMAD Před rokem +22

    That's what is a strong woman. Not a yelling creature in the west.

  • @joeovip
    @joeovip Před rokem +18

    Beautiful filmmaking! Thanks!

  • @ben_kaiser
    @ben_kaiser Před rokem +13

    I loved this doc.....these people are unique humans!

  • @tomaccino
    @tomaccino Před rokem +14

    We need more Mongolian content! It's a barely explored country.

    • @k.k.c8670
      @k.k.c8670 Před rokem +1

      What you mean is it is barely known to westerners. It's been there for a long time and fully explored among the central Asian, the Chinese, the Russians and of course, the Mongolians themselves

    • @tomaccino
      @tomaccino Před rokem +4

      @@k.k.c8670 Not explored in a geographical sense but in modern daily life. How many people outside of Mongolia know about the Terelj national park, Mongolian State Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet, Playtime music festival, Dunjingarav shopping mall, Narantuul outdoor market, Gandan monastery, Zaisan memorial and other things? All what people know about Mongolia is horseriding in the steppe and who Genghis Khan was but nothing about modern-day Mongolia and what people do every day, like this woman driving a truck.....

  • @fhdjshegyshsbsbd
    @fhdjshegyshsbsbd Před rokem +7

    This documentary makes my blood boil as a fellow Mongolian. Life could be much better for these drivers if only government cared a bit for these people.

  • @Theanvcorporation
    @Theanvcorporation Před rokem +16

    A superb documentary an amazing lady

  • @paulies5407
    @paulies5407 Před rokem +15

    STRONG WOMAN

  • @sachinrv1
    @sachinrv1 Před rokem +6

    I salute this brave mother !!

  • @martthesling
    @martthesling Před rokem +15

    Mongolian is a beautiful language. Like a wolf and bear in love.

  • @andrewjenery1783
    @andrewjenery1783 Před rokem +4

    That's the longest line of trucks I've ever seen.

  • @newton18311
    @newton18311 Před rokem +4

    What a woman strength and Compassion. Best wishes for her and all she wishes for,

  • @sureshpersaud27
    @sureshpersaud27 Před rokem +8

    Very brave woman .

  • @lutomson3496
    @lutomson3496 Před rokem +7

    I like how she says they speed racing each other only to hurry up and wait..such terrible inefficiency with the offloading process glad to see they are still mining and using coal

    • @bltzcstrnx
      @bltzcstrnx Před rokem

      Many Asian countries are still mining and consuming coal.

  • @bernardbulwer3158
    @bernardbulwer3158 Před rokem +6

    Deeply touching ... Inspiring in the midst of toil and travails ... in the midst of hopes, and hopes dashed. A testimony of our common humanity. Thank you!!!

  • @BORISKINGDJ
    @BORISKINGDJ Před rokem +9

    Wow what a amazing documentary♥️
    I’ve been watched almost thousands of Great documentaries this is the only one heartbreaking and Unforgettable feeling😢
    Hopefully she’s getting better life soon🤞🏼

  • @datianlongan5567
    @datianlongan5567 Před rokem +7

    Great documentary. Should be nominated for awards!

  • @dulguunod2844
    @dulguunod2844 Před rokem +5

    truly appreciate, Thank you for sharing this documentary , Please made more films about Mongolia, You can find a lot of unknown topics from Mongolia l

  • @user-vv9zo4sc4k
    @user-vv9zo4sc4k Před rokem +7

    I have the upmost admiration for this woman and a her fellow colleagues what they go through people in the west just wouldn’t tolerate it’s a hard life being a truck driver I know I was one full Kudo is to this woman

  • @solidbbmx
    @solidbbmx Před rokem +5

    My wife used to do railway testing she was away a lot for work driving to sometimes remote areas. I often thought of her and what she must be going through on a given day. Thankfully she doesn't do that anymore and she can be with our son.

  • @jimmylam9846
    @jimmylam9846 Před rokem +5

    The Mongolian government is building three railways to China and soon will be completed mainly for coal and rear earth...I hope she could find a better job close to home !

    • @meanwhileinchina2720
      @meanwhileinchina2720 Před rokem

      Then the next documentary from guardian will tell the story of how China funded railway destroy the local job opportunities

  • @ianyeh75
    @ianyeh75 Před rokem +3

    This video is a contrast between tough and tenderness. She is obviously a very tough woman to be doing this job, and knowing she’s among men, who I’m sure treat her as a forever inferior counterpart. But she’s tender because she’s a mom, and being apart from her babies for that long of a time must be heartbreaking. I hope she finds a gig that will let her spend more time with her kids. They need their mom.
    Much respect, ma’am.

  • @oonoo.a4401
    @oonoo.a4401 Před rokem +4

    so proud of you sister. ❤

  • @jamesdee2434
    @jamesdee2434 Před rokem +4

    You are a wonderful lady working for your family's future.
    Your family is lucky to have a caring and ambitious in it.
    And your skills are fantastic driving that huge truk you have achieved great heights.
    Well Don and congratulations to you and you will be with your family sooooooooon 🙏🌹

  • @mathewhagg7998
    @mathewhagg7998 Před rokem +2

    great doc! thanks for the upload!

  • @lajosmolnar7631
    @lajosmolnar7631 Před rokem +3

    I working in the Govi-Altai country. We construct iron mining plants. Also the iron go to China. The most amazing project in my life.

    • @eemoogee160
      @eemoogee160 Před rokem +1

      How's the air quality out there?

    • @lajosmolnar7631
      @lajosmolnar7631 Před rokem

      @@eemoogee160 The air extra clean.
      If not have dusty wind. And we middle of the anything. In the Tayan Nuur mountain.

  • @kolacoker7563
    @kolacoker7563 Před rokem +3

    Amazing lady…seems like her unique situation and all her contacts in the trucking corridor might lead to a business opportunity that will give her more time at home with family… best wishes…

  • @paulie2641
    @paulie2641 Před rokem +20

    It is such a tough life to make ends meet. We cannot choose how we born, but need to struggle to survive. I wish her and her family well.

  • @Baldcafe
    @Baldcafe Před rokem +4

    Great doc

  • @senzen2692
    @senzen2692 Před rokem +3

    All the best to Maikhuu, great documentary.

  • @EdwinaTS
    @EdwinaTS Před rokem +3

    Trucking coal from Mongolia to China is or will be outdated very soon as rail transport is only 1/4 the cost of trucking, using the newly opened Tavan Togoi railway.

  • @giovannicaba8202
    @giovannicaba8202 Před rokem +2

    The lady should be inviting to canada to work here and better life for her and her kids.

  • @dannyshipley7590
    @dannyshipley7590 Před rokem +3

    Great vlog...I hope it all goes well 4 her

  • @freedomandrantforall
    @freedomandrantforall Před rokem +29

    The never ending struggle to provide something better for your kids is hard to watch sometimes. Life is hard and sometimes full of misery.

    • @0fficialdregs
      @0fficialdregs Před rokem +2

      i do agree, but i also love the stories of men and women working in the heavy industrial profession as it help build character just as well

    • @Tonymontanayayo
      @Tonymontanayayo Před rokem +7

      Maybe that’s why I think to myself, if you barely have the means to survive, why burden yourself with children? You make your already hard life only harder. You also can’t provide an appropriate childcare and education to end this cycle of misery and poverty. This applies to all people in all countries on this planet.

    • @davidemmyg
      @davidemmyg Před rokem +2

      This system survives on the human hope that tomorrow might be better, but it makes sure we breed more cheap labor and gun fodder. It doesn't have to be like this it wasn't like this.

  • @marcob4630
    @marcob4630 Před rokem +5

    In Europe we are spoiled: no one could face such a hard life!

    • @lemonlimelukey
      @lemonlimelukey Před rokem +1

      a hard life would be carrying the coal on your back and walking on your own feet.

    • @marcob4630
      @marcob4630 Před rokem +2

      @@lemonlimelukey : LOL! Try to make the same job as this brave woman

    • @JohnSmith-yt8di
      @JohnSmith-yt8di Před 10 měsíci

      Spoiled? It's because Europeans fought for strong labour rights. It wasn't just given to us. Organised labour had to make it happen.

    • @marcob4630
      @marcob4630 Před 10 měsíci +1

      you have a point there @@JohnSmith-yt8di

  • @popeyesantuy2307
    @popeyesantuy2307 Před rokem +1

    She is the wonder woman 👍👍👍👍💪💪💪🇮🇩🇮🇩🇮🇩🇮🇩

  • @MartinBettler
    @MartinBettler Před rokem +1

    Permeable, weighty, beautiful. Invading. A wonderful piece of moment, of timelessness, of being and meaning.

  • @OjanMusic
    @OjanMusic Před rokem +1

    Beautiful documentary‼️👌🏼

  • @mikestirewalt5193
    @mikestirewalt5193 Před rokem +1

    Beautiful cinematography!!

  • @rishadaffadel9344
    @rishadaffadel9344 Před 5 měsíci

    True brave. Been seperated with family for couple years with unclear circumtance during outbreak, tough one is there. Hope Maikhuu and all drivers reach out everything they wishes

  • @d.n3025
    @d.n3025 Před rokem +3

    Proud of you 💪💪

  • @royprb1573
    @royprb1573 Před rokem +2

    Thanks to The Guardian for covering this story. 👍👍👍👍🙏🙏🙏🙏

  • @godlovesudk
    @godlovesudk Před rokem +1

    Thank YOU

  • @metallooily7606
    @metallooily7606 Před rokem +4

    Beautiful lady, both work hard to eke a living with pairs of hand pair of legs for your three kids, simply wonderful

  • @Theanvcorporation
    @Theanvcorporation Před rokem +3

    How poignant a video call can be loved the moment with her kids

  • @StefanBacon
    @StefanBacon Před rokem +1

    Looks like a hard, dangerous job. Nothjng but respect for her, her partner and all of the others out there powering China. I'm not jealous, except maybe of that beautiful Beiben tractor.

  • @2362marshall
    @2362marshall Před rokem

    wow what a documentary, fantastic

  • @oakenshield2621
    @oakenshield2621 Před rokem +3

    Нүүрс буулгаж байх үед маскаа сайн зүүхгүй бол уушги будаа болдог шүү,гуйя сайн шүүлтүүртэй маск заавал зүүж байгаарай эрүүл мэнд эрхэм баян шүү ,энэ залуучуудад ХАБ сургалт орох юмсан

  • @jamaljaunes4363
    @jamaljaunes4363 Před rokem +2

    Kudos to you Madam driver. please protect yourself from the dust of coal. Use a mask

  • @wawawswfc4957
    @wawawswfc4957 Před rokem +1

    brilliant documentary

  • @Shahzadajmal55
    @Shahzadajmal55 Před rokem +1

    Great woman in Mongolia ❤️

  • @alexnjuguna3640
    @alexnjuguna3640 Před rokem +1

    Amazing and Encouraging

  • @chaplainand1
    @chaplainand1 Před rokem

    Perspective.
    Thank you.

  • @daniellebuehner8441
    @daniellebuehner8441 Před rokem +7

    I have a great respect for this lady, who is trying her best to provide for her family and yet she is facing a future that is so uncertain that is not only dragging her down the road to uncertain poverty, and facing difficult decisions to decide not only her fate but the fate of her children. I know in other countries like hers its 10x to 100x far worse then here in the US.. as the poor are getting poorer and the rich getting richer. and with Covid 19, its putting the lives of people into harsh reality of a hard life.

  • @randompers873
    @randompers873 Před rokem +1

    such a beautiful and strong woman

  • @telcelmagdalena6288
    @telcelmagdalena6288 Před rokem

    Exelente documental. La vida de un camionero.

  • @g41thomas
    @g41thomas Před rokem +1

    Amazing woman 👏

  • @PaliAha
    @PaliAha Před rokem +1

    I'm a trucker of gasoline to gas stations in Calif.
    Home every night.
    But I got no family.

  • @mmane257
    @mmane257 Před rokem +1

    i love watching these documentaries 👍🏿

  • @ronjr831
    @ronjr831 Před rokem +1

    Now there’s a real woman. Not afraid of work. Thanks for the video.

  • @atifzaidi8198
    @atifzaidi8198 Před rokem

    Hats Off To These Hard Working Mongolian Women And Chinese Infrastructure Roads Also Powerful Yet Cheap Price Trucks. Love From India.

  • @kunalsingh_yt
    @kunalsingh_yt Před rokem +2

    12:14 *_That little girl don't know that, how lucky she's. Having a such a great mother_* 🙏

  • @bartjaspers240
    @bartjaspers240 Před rokem +1

    Powerfull woman!

  • @mythbusterUSA
    @mythbusterUSA Před rokem +1

    She is real queen. Brave women make great nations.

  • @Sjalabais
    @Sjalabais Před rokem +2

    Heartbreaking. We hear and read about the wealth being brought to Mongolia by its ressources boom, but we already know its distribution is lopsided, and there are lives like this - trapped, only trying to break free.

  • @truthuggs
    @truthuggs Před rokem +1

    Proud of you

  • @hitsongsa
    @hitsongsa Před rokem +1

    I like her! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

  • @mattmiller220
    @mattmiller220 Před rokem +1

    Wasn’t there a huge scandal over this recently?

  • @michaelscordo256
    @michaelscordo256 Před rokem +2

    That place looks like a concentration camp!

  • @robertbutts7352
    @robertbutts7352 Před rokem +1

    Feel so sorry ❤

  • @kewsiyehboah6058
    @kewsiyehboah6058 Před rokem +2

    Gobi 5th Largest Dessert n the World..
    0.5 Million Sq Miles..
    In Swahili..
    Ubarikiwe..

  • @MrCountrycuz
    @MrCountrycuz Před rokem +1

    That coal trailer design has to be the stupidest and most dangerous setup I could imagine. I pulled a Frameless end dump trailer for ten years hauling Demolition materials, c and d, steel beams, asphalt, bricks, concrete. I would be dead with a trailer like the one she pulls .

    • @ats-3693
      @ats-3693 Před rokem

      That's your takeaway from this huh?

  • @dansands8140
    @dansands8140 Před rokem +3

    How to get The Guardian to make a heroic biopic about you as a coal industry worker: Don't be western or a man.

  • @freedomerkhes
    @freedomerkhes Před rokem +1

    Pray for Mongolia

  • @nickhale2900
    @nickhale2900 Před rokem +1

    Looks like it's crying out for a railway there.

  • @WEMBLEYNE
    @WEMBLEYNE Před rokem +1

    14:20 thats humanity in its knees.

  • @JJ-gl3qr
    @JJ-gl3qr Před rokem +1

    This is a true strong women 😊

  • @marcelturk8780
    @marcelturk8780 Před rokem +1

    Heartbreaking reality

  • @tiny1424
    @tiny1424 Před rokem +2

    They should be wearing masks .
    when dealing with coal and coal dust. I don't see anyone doing that except at COVID testing centers!!

  • @donquijote7463
    @donquijote7463 Před rokem

    BERTHA BENZ: HOLD MY BEER.