Abstract
Occupational injury is one of many health concerns related to small-scale gold mining (ASGM), but few data exist on the subject, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. In 2011 and 2013, we examined accidents, injuries, and potential risk factors in a Ghanaian ASGM community. In 2011, 173 participants were surveyed on occupational history and health, and 22 of these were surveyed again in 2013. Injury rates were estimated at 45.5 and 38.5 injuries per 100 person-years in 2011 and in 2013, respectively; these rates far surpass those of industrialized mines in the U.S. and South Africa. Demographic and job characteristics generally were not predictive of injury risk, though there was a significant positive association with injury risk for males and smokers. Legs and knees were the most common body parts injured, and falling was the most common cause of injury. The most common type of injuries were cuts or lacerations, burns and scalds, and contusions and abrasions. Only two miners had ever received any occupational safety training, and PPE use was low. Our results suggest that injuries should be a priority area for occupational health research in ASGM.
Highlights
Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) is proliferating worldwide owing to increasing demand and rising prices for minerals and precious metals in growing economies [1]
About half of participants had never worked in mining, 8.1% previously worked in mining, and 41.6% were current miners
The research described here helps address the paucity of occupational health and safety information on artisanal mining in the existing literature
Summary
Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) is proliferating worldwide owing to increasing demand and rising prices for minerals and precious metals in growing economies [1]. In. Ghana, an important gold-producing country, artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM). Large pieces trapped in the cloth are re-ground and re-sifted. This fine ore is mixed with water and carefully poured down a carpeted ramp. The trapped particles are added to a pan with water, and gently centrifuged by hand to further separate the gold from the less dense ore. Miners heat the amalgam with a blowtorch or small fire, which volatilizes the mercury and leaves behind a piece of concentrated gold. At this stage, the gold is usually sold to dealers, who repeat the mercury amalgamation and volatilization process to further refine the gold
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