Environmental, Logging and Mining Films

A Tale of Ruin: Capitalism and World Resources

1978, 18 min., color, DVD

A Tale of Ruin: Capitalism and World Resources is the last film made by Richards in which he analyzes the issues involved in the acquisition and usage of raw materials in our market oriented society.

The film features footage of large scale strip mining and open pit mining operations, as well as transportation and processing facilities in various parts of the United States. .

Topics: mining, extractive industry, sustainability, environmental degradation, ecology, 1960s.

Other environmental, logging and mining films:

"Capitalism Ruins the Earth" from A Tale of Ruin: Capitalism and World Resources

Photographs

During Richards' many trips into Northern California, Oregon and other Western states, he photographed not only the mining and logging operations that he found, but also the natural beauty of the land and sea, the rivers, deserts, mountains and lakes. In the 1970s and 80s, as he travelled around the US, Europe and Africa he carried his still cameras with him, photographing as he went. His still photography is presented in photo galleries on the Photography page.

Open pit mine
Click for slideshow of Open Pit Mining
Click for slideshow of
Deforestation in California and Oregon

All photos © Paul Richards

Cover of Critical Focus
Critical Focus:
The Black and White
Photographs of
Harvey Wilson Richards

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