Holding a geological hammer, carrying a backpack, and clad in a blue uniform, this is how a normal yet challenging day for geological workers begins.

In early January, 33 geologists from the Kunming General Survey of Natural Resources of the China Geological Survey embarked on a prospecting project. Their mission is to survey a 44-square-kilometer area surrounding a known large lead-zinc mine in the Nujiang Lisu autonomous prefecture, Yunnan province.

Steep cliffs seem to reach for the sky, and treacherous rocky paths are hidden beneath dense vegetation. Yet, for these geologists, the most painful part is perhaps the long-term separation from their families.

What have they experienced in fieldwork? What keeps these geologists moving on despite the difficulties? Click the video and follow their stories.