Development and Health: Silicosis Among Mine Workers

More than 200 meters beneath the surface at Bashyamba mine in the City of Kigali, machines crush rocks as fine dust rises and mixes with the limited air inhaled by workers.

However, according to the company operating the mine, GAMICO Ltd, the tunnels are designed to ensure sufficient airflow. The mining tunnels have natural ventilation systems and are connected in a way that allows cross-ventilation to circulate fresh air. In addition, air quality is monitored daily by the person responsible for safety at the site.

Every morning, before descending into the underground tunnels, workers are required to wear proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). These include helmets, protective masks, reflective overalls and specialized boots to ensure their health and safety while working underground.

But beneath the earth, there is something invisible to the eye: microscopic silica dust particles that can enter the lungs and remain there for years if protective equipment is not properly used or if ventilation systems are not well managed.

One worker who requested anonymity said: “Sometimes underground we feel the air is limited. However, the company organizes annual medical check-ups to assess the health conditions of workers. New workers also undergo medical examinations before starting work to evaluate their health status.”

Jean Pierre, a mine worker, decided to undergo screening and was diagnosed with silicosis, a chronic lung disease caused by inhaling silica dust. He is no longer allowed to return underground.

“If I had strictly followed all safety instructions, maybe I would not be sick today. I ask my colleagues not to repeat my mistakes” he said.

However, Bashyamba mine has been operated by GAMICO only since 2021, while the most common type of silicosis usually develops after 10 to 30 years of exposure to lower levels of silica dust. This suggests that the worker who tested positive may have acquired the disease during previous mining activities elsewhere.

Silicosis: An Incurable but Preventable Disease
Dr. Jules Ngirimana, who monitors workers’ health, explains that silicosis gradually damages the lungs over time.

“When silica particles enter the lungs, the body tries to fight them. But this process creates scar tissue that prevents the lungs from expanding properly. Once it progresses, it cannot be cured.”

He added that many miners usually seek treatment for back injuries, flu, respiratory complications, malaria, diarrhea and other health issues. However, according to medical records at the mine, only one worker has been diagnosed with silicosis and is currently receiving home-based care.

According to data from Rwanda Biomedical Centre, in 2023 about 471,171 people in Kigali were treated for respiratory diseases, representing 9% of all recorded illnesses. In 2022, 38% of patients who visited health facilities nationwide had respiratory conditions.

Globally, silicosis remains a major occupational health concern:

* More than 2.6 million people are living with the disease.

* Approximately 12,900 deaths occur each year.

* Over 230 million workers are exposed to silica dust annually.

South Africa: A Cautionary Lesson

In South Africa, particularly in gold mining, research has shown that nearly 25% of former miners suffer from silicosis. This situation resulted in major class-action lawsuits and billions of dollars in compensation claims.

Experts warn that developing countries must implement strong preventive measures early to avoid repeating similar public health crises.

Environmental and Company Perspective

Christian, the Environmental Officer at the mine, explained that water encountered during mining operations is treated before reuse.

“We do not waste water. We treat and reuse it for mineral processing and irrigation,” he said.

He also acknowledged that in the past some miners used to drink underground water. However, laboratory tests later confirmed that the water was unsafe, prompting the company to switch to water supplied by WASAC for domestic use.
Abel Munyaneza, the Safety, Health, Environment and Community Manager at GAMICO, said that the company clinic treats workers who fall ill and supports them until recovery or refers them to specialized hospitals when necessary.

GAMICO also implements several Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) including supporting the payment of school fees for children from vulnerable families in surrounding communities, constructing houses for vulnerable groups, and assisting vulnerable families by providing mattresses, blankets, gas cookers, and community health insurance for poor families. The company also donates cows to families and participates in the construction of local roads, among other 

He added that regardless of the nature of illness, the company supports workers in accessing advanced medical treatment when needed, including referral support to hospitals such as King Faisal Hospital.

Munyaneza further explained that regular medical check-ups are conducted for workers and employees are encouraged to undergo screening. Protective equipment is also supplied regularly. For example, dust masks are replaced at least every three weeks to reduce exposure to silica dust.

The Role of Unions and Regulation

The Rwanda Extractive Industry Workers Union says progress has been made in providing permanent contracts and registering workers under RSSB. However, the union insists that medical surveillance must remain continuous and that awareness about early screening should be strengthened.

Berthe Rutagambwa, Environmental Representative at the Rwanda Mining Association, emphasized that mining companies should always assume responsibility for occupational disease compensation.

“Unsafe mining is more expensive than the profits it generates,” she said, emphasizing the importance of ethical mining practices and safety standards rather than focusing only on productivity.

Meanwhile, Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board has introduced the “Zero Harm” strategy, including unannounced inspections and license suspensions for companies that fail to comply with safety regulations.

Kigali and Air Quality Concerns

The Mayor of Kigali, Samuel Dusengiyumva, recently highlighted declining air quality as a serious concern.
“We have a responsibility to improve air quality in the City of Kigali,” he said, referencing plans to plant three million trees and rehabilitate wetlands to reduce pollution and environmental degradation.

These environmental initiatives are closely linked to industrial and mining activities operating within and around the city.

Between Opportunity and Risk

Despite potential health risks, mining has also transformed many lives.

Mbarushimana Jean says he moved from being a bicycle taxi operator to building a modern house thanks to employment in the mining sector.

Uwituje Solange shared that her children now attend good schools and that she benefits from maternity leave.

“We also created a solidarity fund. When one of us faces a problem, we contribute and support each other,” she explained.

The company operating Bashyamba mine, GAMICO Ltd, was established in 2012. It mainly extracts cassiterite (tin), producing approximately 30 tons per month and employing more than 1,700 workers, including over 200 women.

Between Profit and Responsibility

Mining generates employment and foreign exchange earnings. However, maintaining strict occupational health and environmental protection measures remains essential to ensure the well-being of workers.

The experience of countries such as South Africa demonstrates the importance of early prevention, regular monitoring and strong safety systems.

Ultimately, protecting miners requires continuous medical screening, effective ventilation systems, proper protective equipment and responsible mining practices that place human health at the center of development.

By: Uwamaliya Florence