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Jada Okoye
Dec 74 min read

The Hidden Health Toll on African Miners: Why It’s Time for Change

Writer: Jada Okoye


When you think of Africa’s vast natural resources—gold, iron, copper—you might imagine economic growth and opportunity. However, the story is far from glamorous for the miners who extract these resources. Instead, they face harsh environments, health risks, and a healthcare system ill-equipped to support them. This phenomenon is part of the resource curse, a term describing how resource-rich countries often struggle to turn their wealth into widespread prosperity.

Gabriel Oduyemi, a health economist, put it best: “There are adequate shreds of evidence of adverse indices of human capital development, health outcomes...while stepping on untapped wealth.” In Africa, miners are the backbone of resource extraction, yet their health often pays the price. According to Alex Stewart, an environmental health researcher, African miners experience the highest rates of tuberculosis, HIV, and silicosis globally. Let’s dig into why this happens—and how things can change.



The Dangerous Reality of Mining

Imagine working in a mine where the air is thick with toxic dust, mercury, and arsenic. It’s not just your lungs at risk—these harmful particles can damage your digestive system and even cause genetic health risks for future generations. Unfortunately, this is the daily reality for many African miners.

Additionally, mines are often in rural, isolated areas. Overcrowded housing and limited sanitation make it easy for diseases to spread. On top of that, miners typically earn low wages, making basic hygiene or medical care out of reach. As political economist Ben Radley found, many African miners earn less than informal artisanal workers, despite doing some of the most grueling labor.


Corruption and the Healthcare Crisis

You’d think that resource wealth could fund better healthcare, right? Sadly, that’s not the case. Governments often pocket the revenue from resources instead of investing it in essential services like healthcare. Chang Wen-Yang, a diplomacy professor, explained how African governments gain immense "unearned" wealth from resources, which discourages accountability. Without public pressure—like through taxes—they face little incentive to improve healthcare for miners.

Nigeria offers a glaring example: despite increased revenue from resource exports, healthcare spending dropped, as highlighted by researcher Amany Anshasy. This misuse of funds leaves miners vulnerable which causes a cycle of poor health and inadequate support.


How to Fix It

So, how do we break this cycle? One solution lies in national healthcare guidelines. These government-set standards would prioritize health sectors most affected by mining and ensure funds are used effectively. Obinna Oleribe, a public health researcher, argues that such guidelines can improve efficiency and hold governments accountable.

Of course, corruption remains a concern. Critics like Benjamin Uzochukwu point out that guidelines alone can’t stop leaders from misusing funds. But with strict oversight and public pressure, these reforms could be a critical first step in giving miners the support they desperately need.


A Path Forward

African miners work tirelessly to extract resources that fuel economies worldwide, yet they’re left with severe health challenges and minimal support. From toxic work environments to systemic corruption, the obstacles are immense. But through meaningful reforms—like national healthcare guidelines and better resource management—there’s hope for change.

The health of Africa’s miners shouldn’t be sacrificed for the world’s gain. It’s time to take action and ensure that resource wealth shifts into well-being for those who make it possible.




Sources & Works Cited





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