Salt
Our quest to procure it dates back 8000 years, perhaps longer. Our hunting and gathering ancestors followed game to salt licks. Salt has been used as currency. Empires have fought wars to control its production and trade. And from a biological standpoint, salt is essential to life. However, to produce salt, industry alters the surrounding environment coastal and inland environments.
These images are from an ongoing project on salt works facilities throughout the world. In 2022, 290 million metric tons of salt was produced worldwide. It was valued at 34 billion U.S. dollars in 2023. Morton’s is the largest producer of salt in the U.S. Although the mineral compound salt, or sodium chloride, is used in food, its major uses are in agriculture, water treatment, and chemical production.
For much of human history, salt was a sign of wealth. Salt on a dinner table was reserved for nobles. Mining salt was dangerous and unhealthy. A punishment for slaves and prisoners was to be sent to work the salt mines of the empire. Many people died of dehydration and salt dust inhalation.
No two salt sites are the same. Salt is evaporated in large pans from sea water, or mined from underground deposits. As you will see, each production facility has its unique signature. The creation of salt leaves strange and beautiful marks on the land.
Click on an image to enlarge. All images are available as archival prints. Use the contact form on this site to inquire about obtaining your own museum quality print.
