Mine Employees Research Articles

Salient stakeholders in corporate social responsibility reporting by Chinese mining and minerals companies

This paper investigates the influence of key stakeholder groups on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) disclosures by Chinese mining and mineral companies. Salience of stakeholder groups founded in stakeholder theory forms the basis for this investigation because of the rising influence of a range of different stakeholders on corporate disclosures in the mining and mineral industry in Western countries. The aim is to examine whether such stakeholders appear to be salient in the emerging Chinese context. The contents of 176 corporate annual and CSR reports produced by all mining and minerals companies listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges in the four year period 2007 to 2010 were analyzed. Results indicate that in addition to the central government, salient stakeholders with a significant impact now include international consumers, while unexpectedly mining industry associations, local communities and employees are not considered as salient as they do not have a significant impact on CSR reporting practice. The main policy implication is that considerable scope remains for improving accountability through CSR reporting to be encouraged by incorporating the views of the current stakeholder groups exhibiting low salience in the mining and minerals industry in China.

Safety Culture in High-Risk Industries

This paper addresses the question of whether adopting safety culture improves hazard prevention in enterprises characterized by high primary risk. To answer this question, sample underground coal mines were examined to investigate the basic elements of the safety culture of employees. This paper presents the results of a diagnosis of the basic elements of the safety culture of supervisors (midlevel managers) and blue-collar workers in 3 underground coal mines. The study used 2 techniques: a Likert-type scale and a questionnaire. The results indicate the need to introduce changes in the safety culture of underground coal mine employees. This study also presents the conditions for improvement. Special attention was paid to (a) the conditions for improving safety culture and (b) a programme for modifying risky behaviours.

Job Burnout and Job Satisfaction among Industry, Mine and Trade Organization Employees: A Questionnaire Survey

One of the most important challenges facing organizations is the increasing levels of job burnout among their employees. In the meantime, it poses the question as what the relationship between this factor and job satisfaction is. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between burnout and job satisfaction to provide an appropriate model. The population of this study consisted of all employees of Golestan Province industry, mine and trade organization, the number of whom is 154, out of which, 120 employees were selected as a sample by the simple random sampling method. For collecting the data, two questionnaires of job burnout and job satisfaction were applied, and the obtained data was analyzed using the statistical methods of Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, Spearman’s correlation, Pearson's correlation coefficient, Regression analysis, F-test and T-test. From the results, it was found that the variable of job burnout had a significant negative relationship with job satisfaction. The results demonstrated that among job burnout components, emotional exhaustion and reduced personal accomplishment can predict job satisfaction in a negative direction.

Where Are All the Ecomasculinists in Mining?

Where Are All the Ecomasculinists in Mining?

Conveying the Message: Building Relationships in a Varied Team

It is of great importance for the management environment to acknowledge and understand networking practices and diversity issues. To ensure effective teamwork and a stable working environment networking needs to be enhanced and supported. To understand networking in a culturally diverse environment the networking practices were investigated at a Gauteng mine. Data was collected from Kusasalethu mine employees, one of the mines of the third largest Gold producer in South Africa. The respondents were chosen by making use of probability, systematic proportionate stratified sampling. A total of 289 questionnaires were completed which constituted a 100% response rate. One difference identified in the findings indicated that Caucasian Baby Boomers make use of telephones when networking more often than African Generation X'ers. In view of the results it is recommended, among other things, that preferences with regard to network mediums be noted, as such awareness may lead to more effective networking / communication within businesses. Effective communication may lead to a more stable and more cohesive working environment.

Evaluating the Relationship between Job Burnout and Organizational Citizenship Behavior : A Study of Industry , Mine and Trade Organization Employees

One of the most important challenges facing organizations is the increasing levels of job burnout among their employees. In the meantime, it poses the question as what the relationship between this factor and organizational citizenship behavior is. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between burnout and organizational citizenship behavior to provide an appropriate model. The population of this study consisted of all employees of industry, mine and trade organization of Golestan province-Iran, the number of whom is 154, out of which, 120 employees were selected as a sample by the simple random sampling method. For collecting the data, two questionnaires of job burnout and organizational citizenship behavior were applied, and the obtained data was analyzed using the statistical methods of Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, Spearman’s correlation test, Pearson's correlation test, Regression analysis, F-test and T-test. From the results, it was found that the variable of job burnout had a significant negative relationship with organizational citizenship behavior. The results demonstrated that among job burnout components, emotional exhaustion and reduced personal accomplishment can predict job satisfaction and organizational citizenship behavior in a negative direction.

Testing Dust Control Preparation with Respect to Mine Employee Exposure to Inhalling Chemical Agents

Abstract This paper presents the results of tests used in dust hazard prevention for air-water spraying devices in collieries. The purpose of the tests was to evaluate mine employees’ exposure to inhalling chemical agents when the ZWILKOP ZW-10 preparation is used. The paper presents the results of the measurements of concentration, in a mine atmosphere, of the following chemical agents: hazardous substances 2-(2-butoxyethoxy)ethanol and 2-ethylhexan-1-ol, constituting ingredients of the preparation at mine employees’ workstations. The tests were performed during work related to the mining of coal in inclined drift C31, seam 415/1-2 on the premises of “Borynia-Zofiowka-Jastrzebie” Hard Coal Mine, Jastrzebie-Zdroj, Poland, using the TELESTO mist systems. Using aqueous solutions for the preparation at concentrations of 15 and 20‰ causes no exceedance of the allowable mine air concentrations for the chemical agents tested.

Mortality and Cancer Incidence in a Copper-Zinc Cohort

Previous studies of copper-zinc workers have primarily observed significant increases in lung and other respiratory cancers. This study concurrently examined cancer incidence and cause-specific mortality for a cohort of workers at a copper-zinc producer in Ontario, Canada, from 1964 to 2005. Significant elevations in lung cancer incidence were observed for males in the overall cohort (standardized incidence ratio [SIR] = 124, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 102-150) and for surface mine (SIR = 272, 95% CI = 124-517), concentrator (SIR = 191, 95% CI = 102-327), and central maintenance (SIR = 214, 95% CI = 125-343) employees. Significant elevations of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma incidence were observed for male underground mine employees (SIR = 232, 95% CI = 111-426). Occupational etiology cannot be ascertained with the current exploratory study design. Future studies could (1) incorporate exposure assessment for subgroups within the existing cohort and (2) determine the efficacy of wellness programs in partnership with the local health unit.

Shared fate and social comparison: Identity work in the context of a stigmatized occupation

AbstractPurpose:People working in mines face the challenge to construct a positive self-image as society views their occupation as dirty and dangerous. The question was how these dirty workers used different normalizing strategies when specific contexts made a range of categories salient. Methodology:We used data from 32 semi-structured interviews with employees of South African gold mines, in which the participants told about the ways they dealt with taint. Findings:Miners were aware of stigmas. On the one hand, there was an awareness of the group's shared fate, in line with normalizing strategies found in other stigmatized occupations. On the other hand, we found several examples of social comparison within the group that challenged the expected strong group culture, i.e., supervisors distancing themselves from subordinates and men disparaging female miners. Practical and research implications:The nuances in our findings show the complexities of the ways people in stigmatized occupations deal with taint. Originality/value:In contrast to previous research, the miners did not only stress the group as a unity. It seems that the opposite processes of shared fate and downward comparison can emerge both, depending on self-categorization dynamics.

Shared fate and social comparison: Identity work in the context of a stigmatized occupation

AbstractPurpose:People working in mines face the challenge to construct a positive self-image as society views their occupation as dirty and dangerous. The question was how these dirty workers used different normalizing strategies when specific contexts made a range of categories salient. Methodology:We used data from 32 semi-structured interviews with employees of South African gold mines, in which the participants told about the ways they dealt with taint. Findings:Miners were aware of stigmas. On the one hand, there was an awareness of the group's shared fate, in line with normalizing strategies found in other stigmatized occupations. On the other hand, we found several examples of social comparison within the group that challenged the expected strong group culture, i.e., supervisors distancing themselves from subordinates and men disparaging female miners. Practical and research implications:The nuances in our findings show the complexities of the ways people in stigmatized occupations deal with taint. Originality/value:In contrast to previous research, the miners did not only stress the group as a unity. It seems that the opposite processes of shared fate and downward comparison can emerge both, depending on self-categorization dynamics.

Shared fate and social comparison in the context of a stigmatized occupation

People working in mines face the challenge to construct a positive self-image as society views their occupation as dirty and dangerous. The question was how these dirty workers used different normalizing strategies when specific contexts made a range of categories salient. We used data from 32 semi-structured interviews with employees of South African gold mines, in which the participants told about the ways they dealt with taint. We found out that miners were aware of stigmas. On the one hand, there was an awareness of the group’s shared fate, in line with normalizing strategies found in other stigmatized occupations. On the other hand, we found several examples of social comparison within the group that challenged the expected strong group culture, i.e. supervisors distancing themselves from subordinates and men disparaging female miners. In contrast to previous research, the miners did not only stress the group as a unity. It seems that the opposite processes of shared fate and downward comparison can emerge both, depending on self-categorization dynamics. The nuances in these findings show the complexities of the ways people who experience work stigma deal with the taint.

A Typology of Communication Dynamics in Families Living a Slow-Motion Technological Disaster.

With increasing numbers of communities harmed by exposures to toxic substances, greater understanding of the psychosocial consequences of these technological disasters is needed. One community living the consequences of a slow-motion technological disaster is Libby, Montana, where, for nearly 70 years, amphibole asbestos-contaminated vermiculite was mined and processed. Former mine employees and Libby area residents continue to cope with the health consequences of occupational and environmental asbestos exposure and with the psychosocial challenges accompanying chronic and often fatal asbestos-related diseases (ARD). Nine focus groups were conducted with Libby area residents. Transcripts were analyzed to explore patterns of family communication about ARD. The following five patterns emerged: Open/Supportive, Silent/Supportive, Open/Conflictual, Silent/Conflictual, and Silent/Denial. Open/Supportive communication included encouragement to be screened for ARD, information about ARD and related disaster topics, and emotional support for people with ARD. In contrast, communication patterns characterized by silence or conflict have the potential to hinder health-promoting communication and increase psychological distress.

The psychosocial impacts of fly‐in fly‐out and drive‐in drive‐out mining on mining employees: A qualitative study

To explore how fly-in fly-out (FIFO) and drive-in drive-out (DIDO) mining affects the psychosocial well-being of miners resident in a rural north Queensland town as well as the sources of support miners identify and use in managing these effects. A descriptive qualitative study, using semistructured interviews. Charters Towers, a rural town in north Queensland, and a remote north-western Queensland mine. Eleven people, resident in or near Charters Towers, currently or formerly employed in FIFO or DIDO mining. Self-reported effects on psychosocial well-being and sources of support. Participants reported positive and negative psychosocial impacts across domains including family life, relationships, social life, work satisfaction, mood, sleep and financial situation. Concerns about the impact on participants' partners were described. Awareness of onsite support, such as Employee Assistance Programs, varied. Other supports included administration staff and nurses or medics. Trusted friends or colleagues at the mine site were considered a preferred means of support. Some, but not most, had experienced coworkers discussing problems with them. A reluctance to seek support was described, with a number of barriers identified. Those having problems might not recognise their own stress and thus not seek support. This study identifies numerous psychosocial impacts on FIFO/DIDO miners and their partners, and provides insights into preferences regarding support. Employee Assistance Programs cannot be relied upon as the sole means of support. Further studies exploring the impact upon and supports for FIFO/DIDO workers and their partners will assist in better understanding these issues.

Conflict between work and nonwork roles of employees in the mining industry: Prevalence and differences between demographic groups

Orientation: International researchers have increasingly recognised the interaction between work and nonwork roles as an interesting and important topic. Research purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of different work–nonwork conflict subscales and differences between demographic groups in work– nonwork conflict.Motivation for the study: Several studies have shown that demographic groups differ in their experiences of the interaction between work and family life. This may also be true of conflict between work and nonwork roles. The prevalence of work–nonwork conflict and nonwork– work conflict is also very important for organisations that may find the results very valuable for developing organisational and individual interventions and performance management in organisations.Research design, approach and method: The researchers chose a random sample of mining employees (n = 245) from a platinum mine in Rustenburg. The researchers used self-developed items similar to items developed in the Work–nonwork Interference Scale of Koekemoer, Mostert and Rothmann (2010) to measure conflict between work and various nonwork roles. The researchers used descriptive statistics, paired-sample t-tests, multivariate analysis of variance and one-way analysis of variance to analyse the data.Main findings: Work–nonwork conflict was more prevalent than nonwork–work conflict. Work–family conflict was more prevalent than work–domestic conflict and work–religion/ spirituality conflict. The researchers found significant differences for marital status and language groups about work–nonwork conflict. Results showed that participants who spoke African languages experienced higher levels of private–work conflict.Practical/managerial implications: Organisations need to recognise the negative interference or conflict between work and nonwork roles for different demographic groups and address the prevalent work–nonwork conflicts in their organisations.Contribution/value-add: Organisations are able to focus interventions and programmes that specifically address the problem of work–nonwork conflict in specific roles and for different demographic groups.

‘You Get Really Old, Really Quick’: Involuntary Long Hours in the Mining Industry

Is there a job-quality problem in mining? Is part of this problem that mining employees are working involuntary long hours? If so, how extensive is this problem? What is the impact, if any, of involuntary long hours in mining on family life? And how much control do mining employees have over their working-time arrangements? What are the possible policy responses? We address these questions through analysis of data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the Australian Work and Life Index survey, a survey of employees in Queensland, and qualitative interviews with 135 people associated with the Queensland mining industry. We find evidence of substantial involuntary long hours in mining, closely related to 24-hour operations and 12-hour shifts, with adverse implications for the work—life balance, which is made worse where employees lack input into the design of rosters. The findings suggest that, in order to promote ‘good jobs’ in the mining industry, there is both a need to revisit protections for employees against being forced to work ‘unreasonable’ hours above the ostensible national standard of 38 hours per week and strong support even amongst mine-workers for a ceiling on hours worked per week.

Adverse Acculturation Conditions and Well-Being of Mine Employees in the North-West Province

The frequency of intercultural contact in the South African workplace has increased after 1994. We investigated relations between adverse acculturation conditions, separation and well-being in Black and White miners. We utilized a cross-sectional design with a convenience sample of 241 Black and White miners. We then considered the effect of race in the experiences of miners and also used multigroup path analysis to determine whether identical relations between multiculturalism, work success, and wellbeing were could be found for Blacks and Whites. Mainstream segregation demands, discrimination, subtle racism and separation were strongly related to ill-health symptoms, but not to work success. In addition, these relationships were identical for Blacks and Whites. Separation fully mediated the relation between segregation and subtle racism and ill-health. Adverse conditions matters for ill-health and well-being and therefore warrant the attention of supervisors in the workplace. Future studies should consider the role of multiculturalism in well-being.

‘Getting by’: life on the Copperbelt after the privatisation of the Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines

The privatisation of the Zambian Consolidated Copper Mines (ZCCM) in 1997 resulted in massive job losses, which marked the beginning of an unprecedented economic crisis on the Copperbelt. This coincided with the initiation of a house ownership policy by the Chiluba administration. Miners thus lost a job and gained a house as part of their retrenchment packages, which included some cash. The harsh material and psychological realities experienced by miners in this transition period spurred a wide array of informal economic activities in which the house and yard played important economic roles. It also tinged the experiences of former mine employees with nostalgia for a ‘golden’ past where the mining system provided a stable economic base and a wide range of social services. The disappearance of the old ZCCM system and its de facto control on socio‐economic differentiation sparked new processes of ‘class’ formation. This paper describes the livelihood processes and experiences of former mine employees, focussing on a high‐cost mine neighbourhood in the Copperbelt town of Luanshya.

The law regarding the division of the retirement savings of a retirement fund mumber on his or her divorce with specific reference to <i>Cockroft v Mine Employees Pension Fund</i>, (2007) 3 BPLR 296 (PFA)

This article analyses the recent amendments to the Pension Funds Act 24 of 1956 relating to the divorce benefit, particularly the amendment of section 37D. This amendment has brought about changes, and will contribute positively to the development of South African retirement law. The allocation and payment of a share of a retirement fund member's retirement savings on divorce has been the subject of intense debate in the retirement funding community, especially in view of the unfairness to non-member former spouses (who are usually women) of the law in this regard before 1 November 2008.

Drug-Resistant TB Among Gold Miners in South Africa

Poor adherence to treatment protocols contributes to TB drug resistance. Prompted by a TB outbreak at a gold mine in South Africa in 2003, investigators assessed the evolution of drug resistance at this mine, which has a well-functioning TB-control program. Mine employees and their dependents (population, about 25,000 per year) were eligible for the study. Employees who had new lesions detected on biannual chest radiographic screening — and …

How big is support for smoking prohibition in public places in Kyrgyzstan among mining employees?

Summary Background In Kyrgyz Republic, some, but not all, workplaces and public places have been designated smoke-free, but the extent of support for this is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine how big if any this support is. Methods A cross-sectional sample of employees at the biggest mining company in Kyrgyzstan was interviewed during their annual medical examination. A self-administered questionnaire on attitudes towards a full smoking ban at the workplace along with questions on knowledge and attitudes regarding the current legislation was used on 1881 employees, who lived mostly in Bishek and the Issyk-Kul area. Logistic regression was used to determine the predictive role of smoking, sex, and place of residence. Results Participants were mostly men (87.1%), aged 38.6±9.4 years. In general, the employees supported a stricter tobacco control policy in their company (59.2%), and 58.2% supported a full smoking ban at workplaces and 61.5% in dwelling rooms at the mining site. The current tobacco control Law was familiar to 63% of employees (49% women). Of 668 participants, 85% indicated full support for the smoking ban in public places, and 77% supported full prohibition of smoking in places where smoking was currently partially banned. Smokers were less likely to support a full smoking ban in places with a current partial ban (OR 0.52; 0.35–0.75). Conclusions The level of awareness of the tobacco control legislation was very low among Kyrgyzstan mining employees. They supported the full smoking ban in places where smoking was already prohibited and a full smoking ban in places where smoking was currently only restricted.