Health impacts of small-scale gold mining in Kenyasi, Ghana

Abstract

Small-Scale Gold Mining (SSGM) is a way of life for many individuals living in mineral-rich but poverty-stricken areas of Africa. The sector provides many households with much needed income for their livelihood sustenance. Although the literature on SSGM have brought some consensus on environmental issues surrounding the sector, limited attention has been directed at health and safety issues associated with the small-scale gold mining processes. This paper contributes to fulfilling this gap. Based on a case study, the paper discusses the health and safety issues associated with each stage of the small-scale gold mining process. Mixed methods approach was used to gather relevant data and information through field observations, focus group discussions with miners, interviews with key informants, and content analysis of secondary data. The miners seem unaware of safe operating procedures and the health implications of the mining processes. Although formal regulations exist, there is lack of official oversight and monitoring of SSGM activities. Policy implications from the study are discussed. They include educating small-scale gold miners to raise health and safety awareness, and decentralizing permitting, monitoring and oversight responsibilities to local governments and institutions.