By Thomas Chidamba
MINERS in Zimbabwe, especially those in the artisanal and small-scale sector, are facing an escalating health crisis as exposure to silica dust, crowded conditions, and inadequate protection fuel a rise in tuberculosis (TB) and HIV infections, accounting for almost 20% of the country’s TB cases, according to TB Champion Tariro Kutadza.
Miners at High Risk for TB and Silicosis
Zimbabwe, like many sub-Saharan countries, bears a heavy TB burden, with mineworkers particularly vulnerable due to the harsh environment in which they work. Studies estimate that at least 80% of mineworkers have latent TB, a condition that can progress to active TB under poor working and living conditions.
“Miners are at high risk of contracting TB because of the environment they work in, especially small-scale and artisanal miners who often go underground without protective clothing,” said Kutadza. “They inhale dangerous fumes from chemicals, dust, and other toxins, putting them at risk not only of TB but also silicosis—a deadly lung disease.”
Silicosis occurs when fine particles of silica dust settle in the lungs, creating long-term damage that exacerbates the risk of TB. Without adequate protective equipment, miners are particularly susceptible, and most of them work far from health services, making access to screenings and treatment difficult.
The Impact on Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners
The situation is especially dire among artisanal miners, who frequently move from site to site in search of valuable minerals. “They are not static—they are always moving,” Kutadza noted. “This mobility makes it harder for them to access consistent health services, increasing their vulnerability to TB and other diseases.”
Kutadza added that small-scale and artisanal miners contribute between 17% and 20% of TB cases in Zimbabwe. The combination of inadequate protection, frequent relocation, and lack of access to healthcare creates a perfect storm for the spread of TB and HIV in this sector.
Government Interventions Provide Hope
Despite the grim statistics, efforts to combat TB in the mining sector are gaining momentum. “We thank the government because we now have mobile screening vans that can reach miners in remote areas,” said Kutadza. These vans are equipped with new diagnostic tools, including solar-powered equipment, which allow health workers to screen miners on-site for TB and HIV.
The introduction of mobile health units is a major step forward in reaching miners who might otherwise go untested and untreated. However, Kutadza emphasized that more needs to be done. “Miners do not have a health-seeking mindset, and a lack of information means they don’t fully understand the risks associated with not using protective gear or avoiding screenings.”
The mobile services represent a lifeline for miners, but raising awareness about occupational health and TB risks remains a critical challenge. “It’s up to us to scale up efforts to combat TB among miners,” Kutadza urged. “We need to ensure that they understand and use these services to protect themselves.”
As TB continues to be a significant health concern in Zimbabwe’s mining sector, the combination of mobile screening, improved health services, and greater awareness offers hope for reducing infection rates and improving the well-being of miners, ex-miners, and surrounding communities.
