Renowned across the world for its vibrant pink coloration and the extraordinary richness of its salt deposits, Lake Retba—also known as Lac Rose—stands as one of Senegal’s most captivating natural wonders and a vital economic resource for the nation. The lake’s shimmering surface, often glowing with hues that shift from soft rose to deep magenta under the changing light of day, conceals a demanding and perilous labor beneath its beauty. For generations, it has served not only as a striking icon of Senegal’s landscape but also as a primary source of livelihood for the local communities that border its shores.
Yet, the same characteristics that grant Lake Retba its fame and allure—the extreme salinity that enhances its brilliance—also impose formidable dangers on those who depend on it for survival. Miners wade waist-deep or plunge into its dense, hypersaline waters to extract thick crusts of crystalline salt, an endeavor that fuels trade, sustains families, and supports much of the surrounding regional economy. However, this essential work comes at a severe human cost. Extended exposure to the lake’s caustic water can cause painful burns, chronic skin irritation, and other serious health complications. The physical labor itself, performed under the blazing West African sun, demands extraordinary endurance, as each miner spends hours scraping, lifting, and transporting heavy slabs of raw salt that accumulate on the lake bed.
Despite these immense challenges, the salt miners of Lake Retba continue their work with remarkable determination. Their daily struggle is a blend of courage and necessity, a testament to the resilience of people who transform nature’s extremities into a source of sustenance. Thus, the lake remains both a symbol of striking natural beauty and a profound illustration of the risks endured by those who extract from it the mineral wealth that helps drive Senegal’s economy forward.
Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/why-miners-risk-injuries-one-of-the-worlds-saltiest-lakes-2025-10
