In Burkina Faso, artisanal gold mining is a significant economic activity, but it comes with severe health, environmental, and social consequences. According to the 2017 National Survey on the Artisanal Gold Mining Sector, there were 140,196 workers on 448 functional production sites in 2016, producing 9.5 tonnes of gold worth 232.2 billion FCFA. The sector generated a value-added total of 204.7 billion FCFA.
The pneumologist, Dr. Ragnagnewendé Mohamed Ismaël Tanguy Nikiéma, has raised concerns about the dangers of artisanal gold mining for lung health, calling for strengthened prevention measures. At the Manga Regional Hospital, patients with respiratory problems related to gold mining are being treated. Many young adults, aged 18 to 45, are struggling with breathing difficulties and other health issues.
Alfred, a young man in his thirties, is one of the patients suffering from silicosis, a disease caused by inhaling gold mining dust. He worked on a gold mining site in Senegal and returned to Burkina Faso with severe health problems. Despite receiving treatment for tuberculosis, his condition deteriorated, and he was diagnosed with silicosis.
The consequences of artisanal gold mining go beyond health problems. The activity also has significant environmental and social impacts. The regions of Sud-Ouest (Djôrô) and Nord (Yaadga) account for 62.4% of total investments in the sector, which totaled 6.8 billion FCFA in 2016.
According to Dr. Nikiéma, many young people who worked on gold mining sites have returned with respiratory problems, and some have died. Alfred's testimony highlights the risks associated with artisanal gold mining, and he advises young people to abandon the activity to protect their health.
The Burkinabè government and health authorities are urged to take action to mitigate the effects of artisanal gold mining on the health and well-being of young people. The sector's economic benefits must be weighed against its human costs, and measures must be taken to ensure that gold mining is done in a responsible and sustainable manner.
The situation of young people like Alfred underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to address the challenges of artisanal gold mining in Burkina Faso. By prioritizing health and safety, the government and stakeholders can work together to create a more sustainable future for the country's young people.
Key points
- Many Burkinabè youths return from artisanal gold mining sites with severe health problems, including respiratory diseases like silicosis.
- The artisanal gold mining sector generates significant economic benefits but also poses severe health, environmental, and social risks.
- Health authorities and the government are urged to take action to mitigate the effects of artisanal gold mining on young people's health and well-being.
