Abstract
BackgroundArtisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) represents one of the most hazardous work environments. While formalization of this sector has been suggested (e.g., Minamata Convention) as a means to improve working conditions, we are unaware of empirical evidence that supports this notion.This study aimed to compare sociodemographic profiles, work profiles, and injury rates among miners working in licensed versus un-licensed ASGM sites.MethodsIn the Tarkwa mining region of Ghana, 404 small-scale miners were recruited in 2014 and interviewed regarding their occupational injury experiences over the preceding 10 years. Workers were drawn from 9 mining sites, of which 5 were licensed and 4 were not licensed.ResultsSociodemographic characteristics of miners from the two groups were relatively similar. Those currently working in an un-licensed mine have spent more time in the ASGM sector than those currently working in a licensed mine (94 vs. 70 months). Miners working in an un-licensed site tended to experience more injury episodes (e.g., 26% vs. 8% had 3 or more injury events) and not use personal protective equipment during the time of an injury (92% indicated to not using vs. 73%) when compared to miners working in a licensed site. A total of 121 injury episodes were recorded for 2245 person years of ASGM work. The injury rate for those working in un-licensed mines was 5.9 per 100 person years (59 injuries in 995 person years) versus 5.0 (62 injuries in 1250 person-years) in the licensed mines. When focusing on the male miners, there was a significant difference in injury rates between those working in a licensed mine (4.2 per 100 person years) versus an un-licensed mine (6.1 per 100 person years).ConclusionsThese findings advance our understanding of injuries amongst ASGM workers, and help identify important differences in socio-demographics, work profiles, and injury rates between miners working in a licensed versus and un-licensed site. The findings suggest that certain working conditions in a licensed site may be safer.
Highlights
Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) represents one of the most hazardous work environments
For the ASGM sector, there is limited research addressing occupational hazards, though it is widely observed that miners are regularly injured because of falls, being struck by objects, exposure to extreme temperatures, misuse of or faulty power tools and equipment, and lacerations, as well as tunnel collapses resulting from weak ore formations or inadequate trenching and shoring
Work profiles Participants self-reported to have worked in the ASGM sector from 1 month to 30 years, with a mean work duration of 76.3 months or 6.4 years (Table 1). Those currently working in an un-licensed mine had been working much longer in the ASGM sector than those currently working in a licensed mine (94 vs. 70 months or 7.8 versus 5.8 years on average)
Summary
Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) represents one of the most hazardous work environments. While formalization of this sector has been suggested (e.g., Minamata Convention) as a means to improve working conditions, we are unaware of empirical evidence that supports this notion. According to the Small-Scale Gold Mining law of Ghana (1989, PNDCL 218, section 21), small-scale (gold) mining is defined as “...mining (gold) by any method not involving substantial expenditure by an individual or group of persons not exceeding nine in number or by a co-operative society made up of ten or more persons” When this is done using rudimentary tools such as shovels and pick axes, it is referred to as artisanal mining. Few ASGM miners use personal protective equipment [10, 11], though the empirical evidence base for this as well as the preceding statements is relatively weak
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