Joined-up governance for more complementary interactions between expanding artisanal small-scale gold mining and agriculture: Insights from Ghana.

Rising gold prices have led artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) operations to proliferate in sub-Saharan Africa, extending into agricultural areas. Little is known about the interactions between agriculture and mining in these new frontiers. This study aimed to investigate the impacts of ASGM on natural and physical livelihood capitals, ASGM's interactions with agriculture at household, community and institutional levels and the drivers underpinning those interactions, and the policy implications for the co-existence of sustainable agriculture and ASGM. Alongside literature review, field-work took place in Atiwa West District and Koforidua, Ghana using environmental field surveys, questionnaires, focus group discussions and interviews. Questionnaire and field survey data were analysed using descriptive statistics, with thematic analysis of interviews and focus group data. Findings revealed that most miners were unregulated, mined irresponsibly and degraded land, waterways, and farm roads. Over one-third of farmers (38%) suffered land degradation, and 79% of affected farmers' lands were not reclaimed. Farmers diversified into ASGM, and mining proceeds boosted farming. Young farmers (18-40 years) shifted into ASGM full-time because it is more lucrative. Yet, ASGM is not replacing agriculture: cocoa farming remains a vital economic activity. Informal ASGM generates short-term income at household level for some but imposes long-term costs at community level, linked to cumulative loss of agricultural land and degradation of forest areas and water bodies, creating tensions, and increasing vulnerability. Financial hardships faced by farmers, landowners' desire to benefit directly from gold and lack of law enforcement drive informal ASGM. There are no institutional linkages between the agricultural and mining sectors. More joined up governance across agriculture and mining is needed and between formal and informal (traditional) institutions. ASGM should be incorporated into broader rural development policy reforms that support farmers, incentivise miners to operate legally and responsibly and ensure effective stakeholder engagement.

The "Creuseurs" ("Diggers"), at the Center of the World's Push for EVs, are in Peril: Part Two-Obstacles and Opportunities to Improve Conditions for Miners.

In part one, we reported on some of the shocking working conditions that the Electronics Watch team found on our visit to cobalt mines in the DRC. Now, we look at the vested interests in Congolese politics, the mining industry, the Congolese government's desire to regulate the cobalt supply chain, and what else might be done to improve conditions.

Prevalence and predictors of high-frequency hearing loss among mine workers in Gujarat, western India: a cross-sectional study on the need to implement a comprehensive hearing conservation program.

BACKGROUND: High-frequency hearing loss (HFHL) stands as a prevalent occupational morbidity globally, with numerous associated risk factors, some of which are modifiable. In the context of a comprehensive hearing conservation program, the initial steps involve early screening and identification of workers with these modifiable risk factors, aiming to reduce the prevalence of hearing loss. Our objective was to estimate the prevalence of HFHL and determine its predictors among mine workers. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study among 226 mine workers in ten open-cast mines in Gujarat state, the western part of India, in November 2020. We collected data on socio-demography, addiction, occupation history and comorbidities, along with anthropometric, blood pressure, and blood sugar measurements. Audiometric evaluations using a portable diagnostic audiometer were employed to assess HFHL, defined as a hearing threshold exceeding 25 decibels (dB) at high frequencies (3000, 4000, 6000, and 8000 Hz). A generalized linear model (GLM) with a binomial family was performed to determine the predictors significantly predicting HFHL after adjusting for confounding variables. RESULTS: The prevalence of HFHL was 35% (95% CI: 29-42%) in our study setting. Office workers demonstrated a prevalence of 19%, whereas other job categories displayed a higher prevalence of 42%, resulting in a significant prevalence difference of 23% and a prevalence ratio of 2.2. The GLM analysis revealed that variables, such as noise exposure during work [adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) 2.3 (95% CI: 1.2-4.7, p = 0.018)] and noise exposure duration [aPR 1.1 (95% CI: 1.0-1.1, p = 0.042)], were significant predictors of HFHL. CONCLUSIONS: In our study setting, mine workers exhibited a high prevalence of HFHL, with exposure to workplace noise and duration being modifiable predictors. Because HFHL advances slowly and is generally undetected by the individual, we recommend periodic testing using audiometry to identify it among mine workers and, if possible, shifting them from mining activities to office. Furthermore, we advocate for the implementation of a comprehensive hearing conservation program to the extent possible.

Exploring the determinants of health-promoting behaviors among miners: A text mining and meta-analysis.

The health-promoting behaviors of miners are of great significance to their physical and mental well-being. With a focus on enhancing their overall health, this study aimed to explore the determinants and influencing mechanisms of health-promoting behaviors in miners. Initially, the latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) model was utilized to extract topical keywords from literature over the last 23 years and to categorize the determinants based on integrating the health promotion model and the health belief model. Subsequently, a meta-analysis was performed based on 51 related empirical research to explore the mechanisms between determinants and health-promoting behaviors. The results indicated that (1) the factors influencing miners' health-promoting behaviors can be divided into four dimensions: physical environment, psychosocial environment, individual characteristics, and health beliefs. (2) Noise was negatively related to health-promoting behaviors, while protective equipment, health culture, interpersonal relationships, health literacy, health attitudes, and income were positively related to health-promoting behaviors. (3) Protective equipment and health literacy were positively related to perceived threat, whereas interpersonal relationships were positively related to perceived benefits. This study sheds light on the mechanisms influencing miners' health-promoting behaviors and could inform behavioral interventions in occupational health.

A practical framework to develop and prioritize safety interventions to improve underground coal miners' safety performance.

BACKGROUND: Improvement of workers' safety performance is an integral and essential part of safety management. Relevant safety interventions to improve workers' safety performance are generally difficult to establish when there is a wide range of occupational hazards and at-risk individuals' features. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at formulating a practical approach to develop and prioritize potential safety interventions based on occupational and individual risk factors perceived by workers to promote workers' safety performance. METHODS: A simple framework developed to identify and prioritize the suitable safety interventions. This framework made use of data collected using standardized and validated questionnaire and domain experts' opinions. Pearson correlation coefficients, exploratory factor analysis, and multiple linear regression were used to identify significant risk factors associated with workers' safety performance. Data were collected by interviewing 202 coal mine workers with occupational injuries, and their immediate supervisors from three mines. RESULTS: Safety performance was associated with the occupational factor-domain (poor working condition, poor safety environment, poor job satisfaction, and high job stress) only (regression coefficient = 2.14, p < 0.01). The following interventions were identified and prioritized to promote workers' safety performance: provide fair compensation to workers, job-specific and safety training, promotion policy, achievable targets, relevant perks/benefits, safety training awareness, workplace lighting, ventilation network, sensitize the management, associate safety performance to promotion, and develop team spirit. CONCLUSION: Our approach helps to identify and prioritize the most relevant interventions to promote safety at work when there are multiple risk factors.

Effects of environmental and genetic interactions on job burnout in coal miners: interactions between occupational stress, coping styles, and NR3C2 gene polymorphisms.

Objectives: To investigate the current situation regarding occupational burnout among coal miners, explore the relationship between NR3C2 gene polymorphism and occupational burnout, and analyze the influence of the interaction between environment and gene on occupational burnout. This study provides a scientific basis for formulating health strategies to combat job burnout. Methods: A total of 1,500 first-line coal mine workers were selected by cluster random sampling, and the job burnout scale, job content questionnaire (JCQ), and simplified coping style questionnaire (SCSQ) were used for the questionnaire survey. A total of 150 workers were randomly selected from the high burnout group and the low burnout group, and a total of 300 workers were selected as the research objects to examine the relationship between gene polymorphism, environment-gene interactions and burnout. This study employed iMLDRTM genotyping technology for NR3C2 gene (rs5522, rs2070950) polymorphism analysis. The relationship between the occurrence of job burnout, occupational stress, coping styles and the NR3C2 gene was analyzed. Results: Finally, a total of 1,282 valid questionnaires were retrieved, with an effective recovery rate of 85.5%. The study included 128 participants (10%) with zero burnout, 400 (31.2%) with mild burnout, 649 (50.6%) with moderate burnout and 105 (8.2%) with severe burnout. There were significant differences in the rate of burnout among miners with respect to sex, age, working years, educational level, shifts, and marital status (P < 0.05). The difference in occupational stress between the different job burnout groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Compared with the GG genotype of rs2070950 of the NR3C2 gene, the CC genotype was identified as a susceptibility gene for occupational burnout (P < 0.05). In respect to rs5522, rs2070950, occupational stress, positive coping, and negative coping, the low-risk group was unlikely to suffer from job burnout compared with the high-risk group (OR = 0.103, 95%CI: 0.058-0.182). Conclusion: In addition to demographic characteristics, occupational stress and negative coping styles were also identified as risk factors for job burnout. The interaction between locus rs5522, locus rs2070950, occupational stress, positive response, and negative response were found to affect the incidence of occupational burnout.

Risk factors of malaria transmission in mining workers in Muara Enim, South Sumatra, Indonesia.

Eliminating malaria by 2030 is stated as goal three in the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, malaria still remains a significant public health problem. This study aims to identify the factors determining malaria transmission in artisanal or small-scale miner (ASM) communities in three villages: Tanjung Agung, Tanjung Lalang, and Penyandingan, located in the Tanjung Enim District, Muara Enim, South Sumatra, Indonesia. Researchers conducted a cross-sectional study involving 92 participants from the study area. They used a logistic regression model to investigate the risk factors related to malaria occurrence. The multivariable analysis revealed that age (Adjusted Prevalence Ratio (APR) = 7.989 with 95% CI 1.724-37.002) and mosquito breeding (APR = 7.685 with 95% CI 1.502-39.309) were risk factors for malaria. On the other hand, higher education (APR = 0.104 with 95% CI 0.027-0.403), the use of mosquito repellent (APR = 0.138 with 95% CI 0.035-0.549), and the condition of house walls (APR = 0.145 with 95% CI 0.0414-0.511) were identified as protective factors. The current study highlights age and mosquito breeding sites as risk factors for malaria. Additionally, higher education, insect repellent use, and the condition of house walls are protective factors against malaria. Therefore, reducing risk factors and increasing protective measures through effective communication, information, and education are highly recommended to eliminate malaria in mining areas.

Alteration of genome-wide DNA methylation in non-uranium miners induced by high level radon exposure.

In China, according to statistics about underground non-uranium mine radon levels, 15% exceed the national standard intervention level of 1000 Bq/m3, and some mines may exceed 10,000 Bq/m3. The relationship between radon exposure in underground miners and lung cancer has already been established, but the mechanisms and biological processes underlying it are poorly understood. In order to identify the genome-wide DNA methylation profile associated with long-term radon exposure, we performed the Infinium Human Methylation 850 K BeadChip measurement in whole blood samples obtained from 15 underground non-uranium miners and 10 matched aboveground control workers. Radon concentrations in the air of workplaces and living environments were measured by CR-39 radon detectors, and annual effective doses were calculated using the detection data. Under the high radon concentration with an average value of 12,700 Bq·m-3, a total of 165 significant differentially methylated positions (127 hypermethylated sites and 38 hypomethylated sites) annotated to 71 genes were identified in underground miners (|Δß| ≥ 0.10, p < 0.05), and the average DNA methylation level of 165 DMPs was significantly higher than that of the control workers. Most DMPs were found on chromosome 1, and approximately one-quarter of them were located in genomic promoter regions. Through bioinformatics analysis and pyrosequencing validation, five candidate genes differentially methylated by radon, including TIMP2, EMP2, CPT1B, AMD1 and SLC43A2 were identified. GO and KEGG analysis implicated that long term radon exposure could induce the lung cancer related biological processes such as cell adhesion and cellular polarity maintenance. Our study provides evidence for the alterations of genome-wide DNA methylation profiles induced by long-term high level radon exposure, and new insights into searching for carcinogenic biomarkers of high radon exposure in future studies.

Progress in biological and medical research in the deep underground: an update.

As the growing population of individuals residing or working in deep underground spaces for prolonged periods, it has become imperative to understand the influence of factors in the deep underground environment (DUGE) on living systems. Heping Xie has conceptualized the concept of deep underground medicine to identify factors in the DUGE that can have either detrimental or beneficial effects on human health. Over the past few years, an increasing number of studies have explored the molecular mechanisms that underlie the biological impacts of factors in the DUGE on model organisms and humans. Here, we present a summary of the present landscape of biological and medical research conducted in deep underground laboratories and propose promising avenues for future investigations in this field. Most research demonstrates that low background radiation can trigger a stress response and affect the growth, organelles, oxidative stress, defense capacity, and metabolism of cells. Studies show that residing and/or working in the DUGE has detrimental effects on human health. Employees working in deep mines suffer from intense discomfort caused by high temperature and humidity, which increase with depth, and experience fatigue and sleep disturbance. The negative impacts of the DUGE on human health may be induced by changes in the metabolism of specific amino acids; however, the cellular pathways remain to be elucidated. Biological and medical research must continue in deep underground laboratories and mines to guarantee the safe probing of uncharted depths as humans utilize the deep underground space.

Dissemination and Evaluation of an Opioid Hazard Awareness Training for Stone, Sand, and Gravel Miners.

OBJECTIVE: In response to elevated risk factors, an opioid hazard awareness training for the sand, stone, and gravel mining sector was developed and embedded in annual safety training. METHODS: After positive results from a prior study among Massachusetts workers, a revised training was disseminated across the United States. Two hundred post-training surveys were obtained and compared with results from the Massachusetts cohort. RESULTS: Participants' knowledge about opioid-based medications, confidence in talking to a doctor about opioids and/or to a coworker about their own use of opioids, and ability to refer struggling coworkers to resources improved. Massachusetts respondents had slightly more favorable responses. Both cohorts had strong positive views of the training. CONCLUSIONS: These results highlight the feasibility and effectiveness of opioid hazard prevention training for a high-risk worker population.

Submission of mandatory respiratory health examinations among US coal miners participating in the Coal Workers' Health Surveillance Program.

BACKGROUND: Mandatory examination requirements for US coal miners newly entering the workforce have been in place since the 1969 Coal Act mandated chest radiographs and were updated to include spirometry with promulgation of the 2014 Mine Safety and Health Administration Dust Rule. Compliance with the mandatory respiratory screening series is described using data from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Coal Workers' Health Surveillance Program (CWHSP). METHODS: Among all radiographic and spirometry submissions to the CWHSP during 30 June 1971-15 March 2022, new underground coal miners who began work in the industry after 30 June 1971, and new underground, surface miners and contractors who began work after new regulations were implemented 1 August 2014, were identified and included in analysis. RESULTS: Of the 115 093 unique miners who participated in the CWHSP and whose estimated entry into mining occurred during 30 June 1971-15 March 2019, 50 487 (43.9%) received their initial mandatory radiograph, and 15 452 (13.4%) submitted their initial and 3-year mandatory radiographs. Since new regulations were implemented, compliance with initial radiographs appeared to improve (80%) but compliance with 3-year radiographs remained low (11.6%). Compliance with spirometry testing was also low for initial (17.1%) and follow-up screenings (2.7%). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of new coal miners eligible for health surveillance did not receive a baseline radiograph or spirometry test through the CWHSP even though coal mine operators are required by law to provide these. Ensuring coal miners' regular participation in health surveillance from early in their careers is an important way to monitor and protect their respiratory health.

[A case of pulmonary aspergillus infection in underground coal mine workers].

The underground environment is dark and humid, and it is easy to breed pathogenic microorganisms. A lump in the right lung of a coal mine underground transport worker was found druing occupational health examination. CT examination showed that the lump was located in the posterior segment of the upper lobe of the right lung, with point strip calcification, liquefaction necrosis, and proximal bronchial stenosis and occlusion. MRI examination FS-T(2)WI and DWI showed "target sign", annular low signal around the central high signal, and low mixed signal around the periphery, and annular high signal in the isosignal lesions on T(1)WI. Then the pulmonary aspergillus infection was confirmed by pathology.

Demodex prevalence in mine, textile and food factory workers with dermatosis: a cross-sectional, multicenter study.

Demodex, a type of mite, lives in human hair follicles. They can multiply very quickly in some conditions and then start to irritate the skin by causing skin disorders. This study aims to investigate if working environment conditions affect the prevalence of Demodex. A cross-sectional, multicenter study was conducted with three different occupational groups: mine, textile and food factory workers (n = 102). Determined industry workers who applied to our outpatient dermatology clinics with the complaint of dermatosis in three different cities were included in the study. Demodex positivity was checked by dermoscopy. Differences between categorical variables examined with Chi-square analysis and T test was used to compare continuous variables between groups. 50% Demodex positivity was found in mine workers, 45.3% in food factory workers and 66.7% in textile manufacturing workers. A high rate of Demodex positivity was observed in all three occupational groups. Although the highest positivity rate was observed in textile manufacturing workers, no significant difference was found between the groups (p = 0.320). The overall prevalence of Demodex in female workers was statistically significantly higher than in male workers (p = 0.029). Exposure of workers to a wide variety of factors in work environments such as textile factories and the fact that women are more sensitive to external factors may have caused the prevalence of Demodex to be higher in these groups. So, a change in the work environment or the use of suitable protective equipment may benefit the treatment of diseases caused by Demodex. But, further studies are needed with larger and various industry groups to make more certain views.

A Blue-Enriched Light Intervention Counteracts the Alertness Decrement Among Mine Workers on Extended 12-Hour Night Shift Periods.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to assess whether a blue-enriched light intervention improves nocturnal alertness and daytime sleep of night workers. METHODS: Thirteen miners performing 12-hour night shifts for 12 consecutive nights were exposed to a baseline and a blue-enriched light condition. All subjects wore an actigraph and completed a Psychomotor Vigilance Task at the beginning and at the end of each shift. Data were analyzed with linear mixed models. RESULTS: In the blue-enriched light condition, the daily increase in median reaction time (RT), mean RT, slowest 10% of RT, and fastest 10% of RT was lower than that observed in the baseline condition between day 1 and 12 ( P ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The addition of blue-enriched light during a long period of extended night shifts counteracts most of the daily decline in nocturnal alertness observed in the standard lighting condition, irrespectively of sleep duration and sleep efficiency.

Establishing an index for monitoring occupational health and well-being of coal mines: Consideration of individual characteristics.

It is crucial to enhance employee occupational health and well-being (OHW) for the well-run and prosperity of the industry, but there is very limited knowledge on the assessment of miners' well-being that differs from person to person. Within this study, a new more direct method, as well as an instrument was constructed to measure the OHW through data analysis based on a representative sample of coal miners (N = 1037). Initially, the causal pathway of job stress and health consequences was characterized by the driving force-pressure-state-impact-response (DPSIR) model. The OHW index was represented by hazards, vulnerability, and severity through the data envelopment analysis and stochastic frontier approach method. The result was that the severity of the consequences of inadequate organizational response was the dominant factor. 75% of employees with poor OHW work in mining, and digging areas, including various drivers and support workers. This study provides an innovative and complete description of the interaction mechanisms among job stress, job burnout, and health outcomes. It demonstrates that a three-level assessment method, namely hazards-vulnerability-severity, can effectively identify hierarchical management points. We provide metrics, objective data, and evidence-based recommendations on stress and health management for miners.

Participative epidemiology and prevention pathway of health risks associated with artisanal mines in Luhihi area, DR Congo.

BACKGROUND: Health issues are associated with artisanal mining in the DR Congo. The scenario is worst when artisanal mining is done informally or with limited material and technical resources. This paper argues that the adoption of healthy practices by artisanal miners might be limited given that it involves unrealistic socio-economic, and administrative aspects and access to health risk prevention means. Making a conceptual framework on the feasibility of revolutionizing artisanal mining practices linked to health risks in the DR Congo requires trans-disciplinary interventions and researches. This case study aims at co-analyzing with actors in the Luhihi artisanal gold mine, the epidemiology of health issues. It also aims at describing the dynamics of resources that mining actors mobilize or think they can mobilize in order to prevent health risks. METHODS: A "socio-anthropological" qualitative study with "transdisciplinary methods" was carried out the Luhihi artisanal mining. Data collection tools and methods included an exploratory survey, semi-structured interviews. Focus groups (FG) mixed with proportional piling were used to support the open-ended interview discussions. The actors interviewed were selected by "convenience sampling" and the saturation principle indicated the size of the sampling. In total, 67 persons were interviewed and 5 FG each consisting of 5 to 10 mining actors were organized. Data were triangulated among respondents to ensure their veracity and an "inductive thematic data analysis" was applied. RESULTS: Key findings are the role of actors involved the organization system at the Luhihi artisanal mining site; a description of a participative epidemiology and determinants of health issues; presentation of the importance of health risks as perceived by mining actors; the constraints in the common illenesses treatment; and opportunities of collective actions for gathering resources required for the organization of healthcare services. CONCLUSION: The results are translated into a grid of powers and interests in relation to the mobilization of resources for the prevention and treatment of health issues. The dialogue for change regarding the ignorance of the actors to exposure to chemical risks such as to exposure mercury, silica, carbon monoxide, and cyanide also entailed the translation of the results. In addition, an analysis of the ability of artisanal mining actors to implement health risk prevention services was made.

Increased odds of mortality from non-malignant respiratory disease and lung cancer are highest among US coal miners born after 1939.

OBJECTIVES: Coal miners suffer increased mortality from non-malignant respiratory diseases (NMRD), including pneumoconioses and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, compared with the US population. We characterised mortality trends from NMRD, lung cancer and ischaemic heart disease (IHD) using data from the Federal Black Lung Program, National Coal Workers' Health Surveillance Program and the National Death Index. METHODS: We compared mortality ORs (MORs) for NMRD, lung cancer and IHD in former US coal miners to US white males. MORs were computed for the study period 1979-2017 by birth cohort (<1920, 1920-1929, 1930-1939, ≥1940), with a subanalysis restricted to Central Appalachia. RESULTS: The study population totalled 235 550 deceased miners, aged >45 years. Odds of death from NMRD and lung cancer across all miner birth cohorts averaged twice those of US males. In Central Appalachia, MORs significantly increased across birth cohorts. There was an eightfold increase in odds of death from NMRD among miners born after 1940 (MORBC≥1940 8.25; 95% CI 7.67 to 8.87). Miners with progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) were younger at death than those without PMF (74 vs 78 years; p<0.0001). We observed a pattern of reduced MORs from IHD in coal miners compared with national and regional counterparts. CONCLUSION: US coal miners have excess mortality from NMRD and lung cancer compared with total US and Appalachian populations. Mortality is highest in the most recent birth cohorts, perhaps reflecting increased rates of severe pneumoconiosis.

Difficulties in distinguishing silicosis and pulmonary tuberculosis in silica-exposed gold miners: A report of four cases.

Silicosis and tuberculosis (TB) are both global health concerns, with high prevalence among miners from the South African gold mines. Although knowledge has accumulated about these two conditions as distinct diseases since the early 20th century, and despite progress in technology with multiple diagnostic tools and treatment options available for TB, the challenge of distinguishing and therefore efficiently managing these two conditions in this population remains as current as it was 100 years ago. To illustrate the diagnostic and health service problems of distinguishing TB and silicosis clinically and radiologically in former gold miners from the South African mines living in resource-poor areas, we discuss four cases reviewed for this report by a panel of experts. For each case, occupational history, past and current medical history, physical examination, radiological and laboratory findings are described. Common themes are: (1) poor agreement between radiological and clinical presentation; (2) poor agreement between radiology findings and detection of active TB on sputum Xpert MTB/RIF testing; and (3) difficulty in distinguishing the clinical and radiological presentations of silicosis and tuberculosis. Possible consequences at the population level are undertreatment or overtreatment of TB, and underdiagnosis or overdiagnosis of silicosis. There is a need for training of practitioners who are screening or attending to former gold miners in the clinical and radiological features of combined disease, using a curated database of miners' chest X-ray images. Investment in protocols for management of both acute and chronic silicotuberculosis in ex-miners is needed, as is clinical, epidemiologic, and operations research.