Health Studies in the Context of Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) is an important livelihood activity in many low- and middle-income countries. It is widely acknowledged that there are a myriad of health risk and opportunities associated with ASM. However, little is known with regard to which aspects of health have been studied in ASM settings. We conducted a scoping review of peer-reviewed publications, using readily available electronic databases (i.e., PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) from inception to 14 July 2020. Relevant information was synthesized with an emphasis on human and environmental exposures and health effects in a context of ASM. Our search yielded 2764 records. After systematic screening, 176 health studies from 38 countries were retained for final analysis. Most of the studies (n = 155) focused on health in ASM extracting gold. While many of the studies included the collection of environmental and human samples (n = 154), only few (n = 30) investigated infectious diseases. Little attention was given to vulnerable groups, such as women of reproductive age and children. Our scoping review provides a detailed characterisation of health studies in ASM contexts. Future research in ASM settings should address health more comprehensively, including the potential spread of infectious diseases, and effects on mental health and well-being.

Burden of malaria in children under five and caregivers’ health-seeking behaviour for malaria-related symptoms in artisanal mining communities in Ghana

“…Several studies [ 14 , 16 – 19 ] have pointed out how the high rate of malaria infection and its associated anaemia as evidenced in the current study could be a result of ASM in the study community, which requires expedited action to curtail the situation. Although our study concentrated only on malaria, ASM is also associated with several other health implications ranging from nutritional disorders to respiratory issues, renal diseases, poisoning, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal diseases, tuberculosis and pneumonia, among others [ 32 ]. Artisanal mining has been a cancer in most African countries, polluting water bodies and causing various disease conditions and other social problems, and the earlier that governmental and non-governmental institutions stand up against it, the better for the health and well-being of all.…”

A Bibliometric Analysis of the Scientific Research on Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining

“…Several literature review studies related to ASM mainly focus on systematic reviews of specific topics. Some examples are review studies about its relationship with poverty [24,46], agriculture [47], operator health [48], ecological problems [49,50], health risks [51,52], mercury contamination [6], mercury management and treatment [53], and water contamination [54], among others.…”

Tuberculosis and Silicosis Burden in Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Miners in a Large Occupational Health Outreach Programme in Zimbabwe

“…Artisanal and small-scale mining is characterised by excessive exposure to occupational hazards such as mercury- and silica-containing dust [ 9 , 10 , 11 ]. It is also associated with multiple health conditions such as respiratory, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal disorders, malaria, anaemia, diabetes mellitus and physical injuries [ 12 ]. Exposure to silica-containing dust is associated with an increased risk of developing silicosis and/or TB [ 13 ].…”