34 artisanal miners succumb to silicosis

A TOTAL of 34 suspected artisanal miners succumbed to silicosis, a fatal lung disease caused by prolonged inhalation of silica particles.

The miners died while receiving treatment at Gweru Provincial Hospital (GPH) and Kwekwe District Hospital (KDH) last year.

According to health officials, four deaths were recorded at GPH, while KDH had 30 fatalities. At GPH, 57 patients were admitted with silicosis, with some being discharged. Presently, five remain under medical care at the institution. KDH is providing palliative care to 10 patients suffering from the disease.

Silicosis is a progressive lung disease caused by the inhalation of fine silica dust, which is commonly found in mining, stone cutting, drilling, and other industrial activities. The condition leads to lung inflammation, scarring, and irreversible damage resulting in severe respiratory distress, persistent coughing, fatigue, and chest pain.

The disease is incurable and while treatment can alleviate symptoms and slow progression, affected individuals rarely recover fully.

The growing number of cases among artisanal miners in the Midlands province highlights the hazardous conditions under which they operate. Many miners work in unregulated and poorly ventilated underground shafts without protective equipment such as respirators. Exposure to high levels of silica dust over time significantly increases their risk of developing the disease.

In an interview, GPH medical superintendent Dr Fabian Mashingaidze confirmed that the hospital continues to handle silicosis patients, with fatalities being recorded each year.

“We recorded four deaths in our ward from 57 admissions in 2024. At the moment, we have five patients admitted. Unfortunately, silicosis is not a reversible condition and some of those discharged require oxygen therapy at home,” he said.

Dr Mashingaidze expressed concern over the lack of post-discharge follow-up on patients he said many succumb to complications after returning to their communities.

“The most unfortunate aspect of this disease is that before miners get sick, they often do not prioritise their health or take precautions to reduce exposure to silica dust,” he said.

Dr Mashingaidze noted that most of the patients treated at GPH are from artisanal mining hotspots such as Shurugwi and Kwekwe.

At KDH, where 30 miners died from silicosis last year, authorities anticipate a surge in cases as more miners continue working in hazardous conditions.

Acting medical superintendent Dr Bruce Mhondiwa warned that without urgent intervention, the situation could worsen.

“Right now, we have 10 patients admitted to our ward, and we anticipate that the number will increase. Some of these cases date back to last year,” he said.

Dr Mhondiwa, however, assured that the hospital has an adequate supply of oxygen for patients requiring respiratory support.

“Silicosis has become an elephant in the room in our province. Since it is an irreversible condition, we are focusing on palliative care. Stable patients can take oxygen concentrators home, and a few are being managed remotely,” he said.

Health experts have emphasised that prevention is the most effective way to combat silicosis. They recommend proper ventilation in mining operations, the use of respirators, and the adoption of wet drilling techniques to minimise dust exposure.

However, in the informal mining sector, where safety regulations are largely ignored, implementing such measures remains a major challenge.